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Conn. authorities set fire to home as safest way to deal with fireworks

Shelton firefighters discovered a large number of “firework displays” in the garage and basement during the earlier house fire

By Justin Muszynski
Hartford Courant

SHELTON, Conn. — A home in Shelton found filled with fireworks last weekend was intentionally set on fire Thursday after fire officials determined it would be the safest way to dispose of them.

The controlled burn took place after the Shelton Fire Marshals Office and police obtained a court order to burn the home, according to Det. Christopher Nugent of the Shelton Police Department.

This came after fire crews responded to the home at 7 Bruce Drive last Saturday around 6:30 p.m. on the report of a fire, Nugent said. The residents of the home were able to get on their own before crews arrived.

Fire crews began putting out flames that were concentrated in the garage area and first floor of the home. As they did, they began to notice fireworks going off in the home, Nugent said.

The police department’s Detective Bureau and the Fire Marshal were assisted by the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit while investigating the cause of the blaze. While doing so, officials found a large number of “firework displays” in the garage and basement. For safety reasons, the residence was secured while officials determined the best course of action, according to Nugent.

Nugent said the decision was later made not to remove the fireworks from the home but that the safest way to get rid of them would be to “reburn” them inside the residence.

Nugent said the controlled burn was carried out on Thursday after residents of the area were notified.

Police are still investigating and are expect to make an arrest.

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