A rapid fire destroyed several buildings at the beloved Hole in the Wall gang camp in Ashford, Connecticut, on Friday.
Ashford firefighters said they responded to an alarm and several requests for smoke around 4:54 pm. When they arrived, they found a big fire in the main building of the camp, which is a large wooden structure with smaller interconnected areas.
It took about 90 minutes to contain the fire, officials said. This main building was destroyed, as well as a smaller adjacent one, but the teams managed to save the camp cafeteria and infirmary areas.
Former campers and advisers recount how Hole in The Wall impacted their lives after a fire destroyed four of the camp’s buildings on Friday night.
Ashford’s deputy, Tom Borgman, said it looked like the building was empty at the time. No injuries were reported.
Hole in the Wall gang camp was founded by actor Paul Newman. It is a camp that offers a true summer camp experience for critically ill children and offers programs for their families.
The camp has complete medical facilities on site to give children all the care they would normally receive in a hospital setting.
“We are sad to share that there was a fire at The Hole in the Wall gang camp tonight,” said CEO James Canton in a statement. “We are extremely grateful that no one was apparently hurt, but we can confirm that our Arts & Crafts, Woodshop, Cooking Zone and Camp Store buildings have all been destroyed. We are deeply grateful for the quick response from the local fire department and Connecticut State Police Troop C. Although the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, what is known is that The Hole in the Wall gang camp is a community dedicated to hope and healing. We will overcome this the way we have always done and will always do – as a family.”
Authorities did not say whether the fire was considered suspicious. The Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Unit is assisting the fireman in investigating the cause of the fire. Federal ATF and FBI officials also responded.
The investigation of the cause is ongoing. Any witnesses to the fire are encouraged to call Connecticut State Police Troop C.