No injuries reported at early morning blazes

Former Walter Camp home one of two fires in New Haven on Christmas

NEW HAVEN — The former house of football legend Walter Camp went up in flames, one of two blazes fought by New Haven fire fighters on Christmas morning

Fire officials say flames were spotted on the roof of the threestory Victorian structure at 1303 Chapel Street shortly after 8 a.m.

The building was reported to be unoccupied and, according to news reports, had just been sold in November for $1.2 million.

No injuries have been reported, but the fire caused the third story to collapse.

Fire Chief John Alston said the woodframe house had recently been purchased by a developer and was under renovation. The damage is still being assessed, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

Camp is considered the father of American football. He attended Yale, where he played and coached in the late 1800’s. The house was built in 1900. Camp was recognized as an authority on football rules. He was also a successful businessman as head of the New Haven Clock Company, a prolific author and a prominent New Haven civic leader during his day. He died in 1925. A foundation in his name lives on.

Then at about 10:20 a.m. Christmas morning a fire was reported at 17 Wheeler Street, home to a waste recycling plant. First indications are the fire started accidentally in machinery.

Fire Chief John Alston said there were individuals in the building when the fire broke out but that the plant was not in full operation. That fire is also under investigation.

In neither fire was anyone displaced. Hamden and West Haven fire departments provided mutual aid assistance.

Contributed photo A building at 1303 Chapel St. goes up in flames on Wednesday, Christmas morning.