CT mansion destroyed by Thanksgiving turkey frying

WESTON, CT (WFSB) - A mansion in Weston was destroyed by a fire that appeared to be the result of turkey frying, firefighters said.

The Weston Fire Department said it responded to 40 Weston Rd. around 3:40 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28.

Callers initially described the incident as a garage fire.

By the time firefighters arrived, they said the fire had rapidly extended to the home.

They tried an aggressive fire attack; however, their efforts were thwarted by dangerous fire conditions and structural collapse.

In addition, a vehicle drove over the water supply hose on Weston Road. They said that damaged the line and completely stopped the flow of water for several minutes.

Firefighters said that at that point, defensive operations were initiated and personnel remained on scene for more than 16 hours.

Mutual aid help was provided by fire departments from Westport, Wilton, Redding, West Redding, Georgetown, and Easton. The Ridgefield Fire Department provided town coverage during the incident.

Assistance was also provided by the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Weston Public Works Department, Weston Police Department, Westport Police Department, and Weston EMS.

Thirty Weston firefighters responded to the fire.

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Weston fire marshal; however, based on the preliminary investigation it appears the fire began in the garage and was the result of frying a turkey,” the Weston Fire Department reported.

There were no injuries and the house was deemed uninhabitable.

“I would like to thank all the Weston volunteer firefighters, Weston volunteer EMS, WPD, as well as the mutual aid fire departments from Westport, Easton, Wilton, Ridgefield, Georgetown, Redding, and West Redding, who battled the house fire during Thanksgiving,” said Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor. “Special thanks to the Weston Public Works, American Red Cross, Salvation Army of Danbury, Aquarion, Eversource and Soco Gas for their assistance. Thank you for your service and I am grateful everyone is safe.”

Realtor.com listed the home’s value at $3.8 million.