'Significant Fire' Leads To Property Damage: Orange Fire Department

ORANGE, CT — Town of Orange Fire Marshal’s Office said fire departments responded to a camper fire in the woods.

On Saturday, May 27, fire personnel, as well as Connecticut State Police, responded to a significant fire in the woods, the Orange Fire Marshal’s Office said. When fire crews arrived, they reported a camper on fire in the woods, officials said.

Firefighters had to stretch a 3-inch supply hose deep into the woods to reach the fire. While doing so, the pressure relief valve on the propane tank inside the RV released gas and ignited, making the fire more difficult to extinguish, fire officials said.

The fire was under control after 30 minutes. The RV and storage container was a complete loss, the Orange Fire Marshal’s Office said.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it is important to note that illegal fireworks may have played a part in the ignition of the camp and a large storage container next to the RV, officials said.

If not for the switch taken by the firefighters, police officers, and fire marshals on the scene, the event could have caused serious injuries to first responders and damaged the neighboring home, the Orange Fire Marshal’s office said.

Orange Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the following:

• Fireworks, other than those you can purchase in a store with no other effects than a shower of sparks, are illegal in Connecticut.
• Legal fireworks can only be purchased in possession of and used by people at least 16 or older.
• Fireworks display show by licensed professionals at High Plains Community Center is planned for July 2 with a rain date of July 9.