Large mill fire forces evacuation of several homes in Vernon

Multiple fire departments were on the scene of a large fire at an old mill building in Vernon that forced 10 to 15 homes to evacuate due to heat on Monday morning.

The Vernon Police Department responded to Brooklyn Street right before 2 a.m. Monday. Fire personnel fought the fire from the outside as flames came out of one of the sides of the building, Vernon Police Lt. Robert Marra told reporters Monday.

Police evacuated several homes across the street due to the heat. Some of the homes were damaged, Marra said. Police have been in contact with the American Red Cross to assist displaced families.

The Red Cross said it opened a warming center at Rockville General Hospital on Union Street for affected families. The center will provide water, snacks, charging outlets and resources for families

No injuries were reported as of Monday morning, but emergency services were on standby, Marra said.

Marra said there is a welding shop located in the building. Marra said there used to be a furniture storage facility in the building, but he was unsure if there was any furniture remaining.

Marra said the conditions were “extremely dangerous” to work in, between the size and heat of the fire, cold weather and slippery roads.

He warned residents there may be a decrease in water pressure in the area because of the high demand for water the fire required.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Fire Marshal’s Office was at the scene to investigate, Marra said.