LOn Saturday August 5, 2023 at 10:08 pm, Taftville fire was dispatched to North B St at the Taftville church for a structure fire. Chief Jencks arrived a minute later and declared a working fire as approximately 20% of the 119 year old church was involved in fire. Aid from Norwich, Occum, Yantic, and Mohegan Tribal FAST was added to the assignment. Four attacks lines ranging in size from 1 3/4” to 2 1/2” were deployed and fire was held to the alter area, a office behind the alter and the church seating area. About 35% of the building was damaged by fire, with other areas having smoke and water damage. Two hydrants were used and a Yantic Engine laid a supply to draft from the River on Rt-97. During the fire, the use of the hydrants caused a water flow activation at 24 North Fifth Ave. A Norwich engine and East Great Plains Ladder responded to that incident. Other aid on scene came from Laurel Hill, East Great Plains, Jewett City FD, Norwich PD, American Ambulance and the Canteen truck. We would like to thank all of our aid company’s for helping us make a successful save of a iconic building in our community. Photos submitted by Ct Fire photographer Joe Shefer who gave us permission to use his photos of the incident.o
