GALES FERRY BLAZE LEVELS GARAGE, DISPLACES 3 PEOPLE

Ledyard — Thirteen fire companies battled a blaze Saturday night that leveled a garage and displaced at least three adults, Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Chief Anthony Saccone said.

Firefighters at 8:52 p.m. were called to 12 Maid Marion Drive, a two-story home situated a halfmile off Whalehead Road.

Saccone said flames were shooting from the attached garage, which had collapsed by the time firefighters arrived.

Because the area doesn’t have hydrants, five or six departments provided tanker trucks of water. Other departments provided manpower, Saccone said — the stiflingly humid night led firefighters to take frequent breaks.

Crews focused their efforts on the area where the house and garage met, Saccone said, and only 10 or 15 percent of the house was damaged.

“It’s not livable,” Saccone said of the house, “but a lot of personal property was saved by the quick action of the crews.”

No one was home when the blaze began, he said, and no one was injured.

Providence Canteen provided refreshments for the firefighters while the Red Cross assisted the displaced residents.

Colleen and James Sweet own the home, records show.

Saccone said the recent heat and humidity has worsened a time of year that’s already tough for firefighters.

“We’re trying to fight fire and the elements,” he said. “We’re just out there trying to keep the guys safe.”

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.