12 Rabbits Perish, Family Displaced In Tolland Fire

TOLLAND, CT — A dozen rabbits were killed and a family was displaced in a fire on Old Post Road in Tolland Friday morning, Fore Chief John Littell said.

The fire broke out at about 7:30 a.m. along the 500 block of Old Post, Littell said.

Roads were blocked off in the area while firefighters battled the blaze.

Littell said early morning fires can be tricky with reduced staffing, but another crew had been returning from a previous call at the time, so extra personnel sprung into action quickly.

Without the extra firefighters, the wind and cold could have made the fire even more complicated, he said. The closest hydrant is about a half-mile away, Littell said.

"We're lucky, because without the extra bodies on board, it could be been dramatically different," Littell said. "Instead, we were able to have an aggressive attack on the fire and get it out quickly. I can't say about about the crews today."

Four residents were evacuated, and one person was taken to Rockville General Hospital with a minor burn injury and a smoke-related condition, Littell said.

The fire was still being investigated late Friday morning, he said.