Charcoal grill sparks blaze

NEW LONDON — A midday fire on Tuesday engulfed a multi-family home in New London and spread to two neighboring houses, displacing four families and drawing a massive mutual-aid response. The blaze began when a resident of a home at the corner of 3rd and South Maple streets lit a charcoal grill on a wooden deck and went back inside the home, according to New London fire Chief John Chapin. "When he returned, he found the deck on fire," Chapin said. "The fire then spread quickly, eventually reaching two neighboring homes." The chief emphasized that the fire was not suspicious in nature. "This was completely accidental and there was no foul play," Chapin said. Emergency response Crews from Wakeman, North Fairfield, and Greenwich Tri-Community Fire Departments joined New London firefighters at the scene. The New London Police Department, Huron County Sheriff's Office, Firelands Ambulance Service, Firelands Electric and Village of New London employees also responded to the blaze, according to Chapin. While no residents or firefighters were seriously hurt, several firefighters were treated on scene for dehydration and exhaustion by emergency medical services. The American Red Cross interviewed residents and provided prepaid credit cards to help families purchase essentials. Chapin confirmed all displaced families have temporary housing. Community aid and donations The fire and police departments are requesting clothing donations for the four families. Items can be dropped off at the New London Police station, located at 115 East Main Street in New London. "The lobby is open 24 hours daily, so people can just go in anytime and leave things for the families," Chapin said. Only clean, new or gently used clothing will be accepted — no household items. Donors are asked to sort items by family to ensure correct distribution, according to a social media post by the police department. Clothing needs include: Family #1: 10-year-old girl: size 10–12, shoe size 2 8-year-old girl: size 10–12, shoe size 1 4-year-old boy: size 5T, shoe size 10.5 Adult male: 5X shirt, shoe size 17 Adult female: L shirt/pants, shoe size 8.5 Family #2: 10-year-old boy: size 14–16, shoe size 7 Adult female: M shirt, shoe size 8 Family #3: Adult male: 2X shirt, pants 40x30, shoe size 13 Adult female: L shirt, pants 12, shoe size 7.5 Family #4: 13-year-old boy: L shirts/shorts/hoodies, shoe size 10.5 8-year-old girl: size 7–8 shirts/shorts/leggings, shoe size 2 5-year-old girl: size 6 shirts/shorts/leggings, shoe size 12 Next steps Chapin said a full fire report was not yet available, pending meetings with insurance inspectors. Damage estimates are still being assessed.