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Connecticut firefighter dies in UTV crash while responding to brush fire


Connecticut firefighter dies in UTV crash while responding to brush fire

BERLIN, Conn. – A firefighter died Tuesday in a commercial vehicle accident while responding to a brush fire in Berlin, Connecticut.

Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio said the Wetherfield firefighter was traveling in a utility vehicle on a trail when it overturned near the Meriden city limits. The firefighter died from his injuries.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The firefighter's name has not yet been released.

“Our worst nightmare, especially with a bushfire. It just shows that this job is dangerous no matter where you are, whether inside a building or out in the woods,” Massirio said.

In a post on social media, Governor Ned Lamont said: “I am heartbroken to learn the news that a Wethersfield firefighter has died while responding to the Berlin bushfire. Firefighters do their best to keep our communities safe. “My prayers are with his family and colleagues at this devastating time.”

Two other firefighters were injured. They were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released, Massirio said.

“The friendships are deep-rooted here and there are long-standing relationships between these people, so we are a close-knit family,” he said. “It’s definitely felt in the surrounding towns. … We’re a family and it affects everyone here.”

A procession of first responders was planned Tuesday evening to transport the firefighter from the mountain to the chief medical examiner's office.

Bushfires burn on Lamentation Mountain for over 24 hours

The fire started Monday on Lamentation Mountain, about 15 miles south of Hartford. It has scorched between 80 and 90 acres and due to the difficult terrain, extinguishing is expected to take several days.

Investigators are investigating a nearby campfire as a possible cause of the fire.

No evacuations were ordered.

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