Fire Reported Early Tuesday Morning
PRESTON, Conn. — A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the former Norwich State Hospital, prompting a large multi-department response.
According to officials, emergency crews from Preston, Laurel Hill, and Norwich Fire Departments were dispatched at around 5:46 a.m. on October 7, 2025, to the old hospital site on Laurel Hill Road after reports of a structure fire.
Flames Through the Roof
When P1 and Car 6 arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire coming through the roof of a two-story vacant brick building on the property. Firefighters quickly began efforts to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby brush areas.
Mutual Aid and Response
Additional units, including East Great Plain Ladder 5 and Rescue 5, along with Mohegan Tribal FAST and Mohegan Fire Company’s forestry truck, were called to assist. Most crews staged along Route 12 while command worked to establish the best access point to the burning structure.
Investigation Underway
Thanks to coordinated efforts, firefighters were able to keep the fire contained and prevent further damage. The Preston Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
The former Norwich State Hospital, which closed in 1996, has a long history of fires and incidents over the years at the now-vacant property.