Sterling, CT (June 25, 2026) – A family was displaced on Tuesday morning, June 23, after a house fire on Porter Pond Road in the Oneco section of Sterling. Emergency units were called to the home around 9:40 a.m. after smoke detectors activated.
Shortly after units arrived, additional smoke detector reports came in from the home. Around 9:50 a.m., smoke was seen coming from attic vents.
Access near the home was complicated by low-hanging wires. Once inside, crews found heavy smoke on the second and third floors.
A dog was rescued from the first floor before crews continued through the home. The fire was later found in a second-floor office and brought under control after ventilation work on the third floor.
One cat died, and another cat was presumed dead after it could not be found. The American Red Cross was called to help the displaced family. Investigators are reviewing the cause, and a power strip was mentioned as a possible factor.
We hope the affected family receives the care and support they need.
How Attic Smoke Can Complicate House Fire Calls
Smoke coming from attic vents can make a house fire more difficult to assess. Flames may not be visible from outside, but smoke on the upper floors can point to heat spreading through walls, ceilings, or hidden spaces.
Access problems can also slow fireground work. Low wires, narrow driveways, and limited water access may affect where crews can park equipment and how quickly they can move through the property.
Pets are also at risk during residential fires because they may hide from smoke, noise, or unfamiliar people. Even after flames are controlled, crews may need time to search rooms and check damaged spaces. Later updates may provide more detail about the fire’s origin and the extent of the damage.
