Man hurt, cottage destroyed in fire

WINSTED >> A cottage near Highland Lake was destroyed by a fire Monday, officials said.

The cottage was located at 334 Norwood Road, according to Winsted Fire Department Chief David Sartirana, an unincorporated road off of Alpha Avenue in Winsted.

When Sartirana arrived on scene, he saw “a big ball of fire,” with the structure fully involved, he said.

A man was hurt in the blaze and was taken to Waterbury Hospital for treatment, Sartirana said.

Winchester Police Chief William Fitzgerald said Tuesday that the man injured in the fire has been identified as Paul Meyer, 53, of 422 Migeon Avenue in Torrington. He was not the homeowner, Sartirana said, but believed to be a visitor.

He suffered severe burns to his hands and back, Fitzgerald said. No further information on his status, Fitzgerald said, was available.

As firefighters began to gather hoses Monday, only a corner of the cottage’s porch remained standing.

Police had called in the fire after seeing smoke while on patrol, Sartirana said.

In addition to Winsted and Winchester Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, Norfolk and New Hartford departments responded to the scene, Sartirana said.

The cottage is owned by Richard P. Holtman, according to town property records, who bought it in 2011.

The Red Cross is helping one adult after the fire Monday, according to a press release, providing for their immediate needs.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN A cottage at 334 Norwood Road in Winsted was completely destroyed by a fire on Monday.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN A cottage at 334 Norwood Road in Winsted was destroyed by fire Monday evening. A victim in the fire was treated for burns and remains in Waterbury Hospital.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN A cottage at 334 Norwood Road in Winsted was completely destroyed by a fire on Monday.