Investigations into fire in apartment complex in New London continue; building ready for demolition

July 5, 2024, 6:10 p.m. • Last updated: July 5, 2024, 6:11 p.m.

New London – The scale and severity of Wednesday’s fire at a New London apartment complex mean firefighters will not be able to complete their preliminary investigation into the cause of the blaze that left dozens of tenants homeless until Monday at the earliest.

On Friday afternoon, representatives from the city’s fire department and building department, as well as employees from a private emergency cleanup company, gathered outside The Villages at Shore Landing building to discuss next steps for the 48-unit section of the complex that is considered slated for demolition.

At the rear of the building at 239 Nautilus Drive, two tarps reminiscent of oversized theater curtains were hung over several of the most badly damaged patios and verandas of the upper-floor apartments.

Fire Chief Vernon Skau said damage to these open-air areas complicates the investigation.

“We need to secure and protect it first so investigators can move forward with their next steps,” he said. “We’re meeting with the complex’s insurance company on Monday and could have an answer as to the cause by the end of the day.”

Bill Pacelia, director of emergency management for restoration company BluSky, said his team would bring a hoist to the scene later Friday to assist fire investigators in their work.

Pacelia said he was notified late Wednesday by the building owner’s property management company, South Oxford Management, that his firm’s services were needed.

“We put up the tarpaulin last night and will eventually address the environmental issues and the restoration work,” he said. “For us, any work that affects displaced people is urgent.”

Firefighters arrived at the scene around 9 p.m. Wednesday to find three units on the third floor engulfed in flames. Flames were blazing through the roof and smoke was coming from the rear of the building. Most of the fire damage was confined to four units in the building, but other areas experienced smoke and water damage.

Skau said two residents of the building were treated at the scene for minor injuries, one of which appeared to have an existing medical condition. No injuries were reported to firefighters. A family of three was staying in an emergency shelter at the city’s senior center Wednesday evening.

Omi Morales, a member of the city’s building authority, said Friday that the building would remain in disrepair until fire and insurance inspectors and his authority made a clear determination that it was safe for residents to return.

“The owners or the management company must also provide us with documentation that proves that the repair of the damage is safe,” Morales said. “It’s a process that cannot be done overnight. But right now it’s not safe.”

Morales said tenants who want to pick up their belongings must get permission from the management company before entering the building. The building’s owner is listed as New York-based Beachwold Residential, which does business locally as Villages At Shore Landing LLC.

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