Wethersfield firefighter dies in UTV crash while battling Berlin brush fire

BERLIN, CT (WFSB) – Gov. Lamont directed flags to half-staff after a Wethersfield firefighter was killed while battling a large brush fire in Berlin on Tuesday.

On Tuesday evening, Governor Lamont and emergency officials held a news conference providing updates on the fire.

They said that a Wethersfield firefighter, Robert Sharkevich Sr., died after being injured in a UTV rollover.

“Yes, I’ll confirm we did have an accident not too long ago. We’re working with the crews down the road here. We’ll get some more info on that. At this time, I’m not going to speak to that because we don’t know the details,” said Chief Jonn Massirio, Berlin Fire Department. “I do hear there were injuries, extent of injuries we’re not sure at this time. We heard it involved a fire UTV, I believe Wethersfield.”

Officials have now confirmed Sharkevich died from his injuries. Three other Wethersfield firefighters were injured and transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

“Preliminary investigation determined the UTV was operating on a steep rocky incline, as part of the firefighting efforts, when it rolled over onto Robert Sharkevich, age 66, causing fatal injuries,” police said.

Berlin’s fire chief says his department, along with others, will be there to help Wethersfield navigate this tragedy.

“It’s our worst nightmare, especially for a brush fire. It just goes to show you this job, no matter where you are, whether it’s inside a structure or out in the woods, is dangerous,” said Chief John Massirio, Berlin Fire Department.

The Superintendent for Wethersfield schools, Michael T. Emmett, said Sharkevich worked for the district. He also said counseling will be available at schools tomorrow.

“Good Evening Wethersfield Community, I do apologize for reaching out so late in the evening, however, I must share some most unfortunate news. Robert Sharkevich Sr. passed away this afternoon. “Sharky” was a parent, grandparent, and Physical Services Carpenter in the school district. Words cannot express the magnitude of this loss. I do want to let everyone know that counseling will be available at schools tomorrow to assist staff and students that need support. Do not hesitate to reach out. On behalf of the Wethersfield Public Schools, I offer the Sharkevich family our deepest condolences and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time,” said Emmett.

Sharkevich was a retired firefighter with the Hartford Fire Department who was still volunteering with the Wethersfield department.

Governor Lamont reacted to Sharkevich’s death on X, (formerly Twitter).

A procession took place from Berlin heading to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington at around 8:30 p.m.

Police and fire crews from dozens of cities and towns across the state joined to escort the fallen first responder.

Sharkevich’s body will eventually be taken in another procession from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home.

Crews continued to battle a brush fire deep in the woods of Berlin on Wednesday morning.

Connecticut’s Task Force 1 has now been activated to assist at the blaze.

A red flag warning has been posted for the entire state.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE ON HAWTHORNE FIRE:

Firefighters from several different towns have been at Lamentation Mountain working to contain the fire for almost 24 hours.

Today’s operations have been centered around putting a perimeter around the fire so that it doesn’t expand. Most of the fire has been contained.

No homes have been evacuated and there are no plans to enact any evacuation orders.

Firefighters have been using drones to monitor the brush fire’s rate of speed. An estimated 80 to 90 acres of land have burned.

Officials said it’s going to take several days to put out the fire.

“Right now, they’re really just trying to work the perimeters and they’re putting some safety things in place, escape routes, if there was a problem, if the fire got more aggressive. Then we’ll start to work that water back in and set up some lines and things like that,” said Chief Jeff Pajor, Kensington Fire Department.

Officials also announced aerial support is going to be coming in from Maine to drop water on the fire. That will happen hopefully by 9 a.m. tomorrow.

The governor shared the National Guard has been authorized to bring in black hawk helicopters.

Officials are calling it the ‘Hawthorne Fire’ as it is right behind the area of the Hawthorne event space on the Berlin Turnpike.

They alluded to prior campfire activity at the location as a possible cause for the fire.

“Right now, judging from the drone footage, we don’t expect it to push downhill anymore,” said Chief John Massirio, Berlin Fire Department. “But like I said before, we do expect conditions to worsen for us by noontime with the sun coming up the humidity just keeps dropping and it’s gonna make it harder for us out there.”

Firefighters started fighting flames on Lamentation Mountain on Monday night.

The smoke from it was reported in Wallingford.

The Wallingford police and fire departments said they were monitoring the situation.

“Both departments are aware that residual smoke is impacting our community and will continue to monitor what if any impact it may have on Wallingford,” the police department posted to social media.

According to the Berlin Fire Department, calls started coming in about the fire just after 5 p.m. on Monday.

Before sunset, an initial effort was made to contain the impact.

Additional resources were called in from Newington, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Meriden, and a few other towns.

The main challenge crews faced was the steep and rocky terrain. Firefighters said it has made logistics difficult to navigate.

The fire was west of Sea Green Drive and Bannon Lane. It was moving northeast at a slow pace.

Evacuations were not necessary, according to firefighters.

“There’s been no hazards to the houses. We’ve been keeping a vigilant watch on those areas. We don’t expect evacuations in the future,” said Massirio.

Crews said they were confident it was far enough away from any residential areas.

However, there was a “no fly zone” order in place.

Brush fires have been a concern among fire departments due to the lack of rain and extremely dry conditions. Multiple fires burned across the state on Monday.