Preston firefighters battled blaze at old Norwich Hospital Saturday, officials say

Preston Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze at Abandoned Norwich State Hospital

Preston, Connecticut – A massive fire broke out early Saturday morning at the site of the old Norwich State Hospital, drawing dozens of emergency responders from multiple towns as thick smoke billowed over the area and flames engulfed parts of the abandoned facility. Officials say the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Early Morning Alarm Sends Crews Racing to the Scene

Shortly after 5:00 AM on Saturday, emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the historic Norwich State Hospital complex along Route 12 near the Thames River. The sprawling property, closed since 1996, has long been considered a hazardous area by town officials due to its deteriorating condition.

Preston City Fire Department was the first to respond, quickly calling for mutual aid from nearby towns including Norwich, Ledyard, and Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Given the size of the fire and the risk of structural collapse, a defensive firefighting strategy was implemented almost immediately.

“Upon arrival, we encountered heavy fire conditions on the upper floors and roof of one of the main buildings,” Preston Fire Chief Mark Russell said. “Given the instability of the structure, we decided on an exterior attack to ensure firefighter safety.”

Route 12 Closed as Crews Battle Intense Flames

Officials closed Route 12 for several hours between Ledyard and Norwich to allow emergency vehicles access and to keep residents away from the dangerous site. Firefighters used high-powered hoses and aerial ladder trucks to pour thousands of gallons of water onto the blaze from a safe distance.

“Our main goal was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings,” Chief Russell added. “The wind was a significant challenge as it pushed the flames across the roof and threatened nearby structures.”

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away, prompting emergency alerts advising residents in the area to stay indoors and avoid exposure to the potentially hazardous air.

No Injuries Reported, But Structure Severely Damaged

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the emergency crews or members of the public. However, the damage to the historic building is considered severe, with officials confirming that portions of the roof collapsed during the firefighting efforts.

“We’re grateful that no one was hurt, but this was a major fire that has done significant damage,” said Preston First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier. “The property has been a source of concern for many years, and this only highlights the urgency for a long-term solution.”

Investigation Underway to Determine Cause

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Preston Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal and Connecticut State Police. Given the property’s history of trespassing, vandalism, and arson, authorities are looking into all possibilities, including foul play.

“There have been multiple incidents over the years involving unauthorized entry into the hospital buildings,” said Preston Fire Marshal Dennis Glaude. “While it’s too early to say definitively, we are examining the scene for evidence of criminal activity.”

Investigators are also reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in hopes of identifying anyone who may have been near the property prior to the fire.

Norwich State Hospital’s Troubled Legacy

The Norwich State Hospital, first opened in 1904, operated for nearly a century as a psychiatric institution. At its peak, the hospital housed over 3,000 patients and employed more than 1,000 staff members. The sprawling campus included more than 30 buildings, most of which have been left to decay since the facility was shuttered nearly three decades ago.

Over the years, the hospital has been the subject of ghost stories, urban legends, and countless visits by explorers and thrill-seekers. Despite repeated warnings from police and fire officials, people continue to trespass on the property.

“There’s a fascination with the place because of its history, but it’s extremely dangerous,” said Chief Russell. “These buildings are falling apart, and anyone inside is putting themselves at great risk.”

Calls for Action Grow Louder After Blaze

In the wake of Saturday’s fire, local officials are renewing calls for action on the fate of the Norwich State Hospital property, which has been the focus of redevelopment efforts for years. Preston currently owns a large portion of the site and has been working with the Mohegan Tribe on plans to revitalize the area.

“This fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these abandoned buildings,” First Selectwoman Allyn-Gauthier said. “We need to move quickly to demolish unsafe structures and make way for redevelopment.”

The Mohegan Tribe issued a statement expressing their concern about the fire and reaffirming their commitment to working with Preston officials.

“Our tribe remains dedicated to ensuring the safe and productive redevelopment of this property,” the statement read. “We will continue collaborating with local leaders to address these challenges.”

Residents Share Concerns, Frustrations

News of the fire spread quickly across social media, with many local residents expressing frustration over the decades-long saga surrounding the hospital.

“How many fires is it going to take before they finally tear this place down?” one resident wrote on Facebook. “It’s been a hazard for years.”

Others lamented the loss of a historic landmark, despite its long period of neglect.

“It’s sad to see a piece of our town’s history literally go up in flames,” another resident posted. “So many memories, good and bad, tied to that place.”

Next Steps: Cleanup and Continued Investigation

In the coming days, fire crews and town officials will assess the full extent of the damage and begin cleanup operations. The investigation into the cause will continue, though officials cautioned it may take weeks or months before a definitive conclusion is reached.

Meanwhile, police are urging anyone with information about the fire—or who may have seen suspicious activity near the site—to come forward.

“This fire could have been much worse,” Fire Marshal Glaude said. “We were fortunate to contain it, but we cannot afford to ignore the risks any longer.”

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