Fire hits Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

ASHFORD — Multiple buildings were left in ruins Friday evening after a massive fire at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp off Ashford Center Road.

State police responded around 5:17 p.m. after a structure fire was reported at the camp, according to to the camp for a reported Connecticut State Police spokesman Trooper Josue Dorelus.

The camp, which draws its name from the real life gang depicted in the iconic 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, was founded by actor and Connecticut resident Paul Newman in 1988. The organization serves children with severe illnesses.

No injuries were reported, state police and a spokesman for the organization said, but the fire destroyed several buildings in the camp.

“We are saddened to share that there was a fire at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp this evening. We are extremely grateful that it appears nobody was injured, but can confirm that our Arts & Crafts, Woodshop, Cooking Zone and Camp Store buildings were all destroyed,” said Ryan Thompson, a spokesman for the organization.

Photos and video posted to social media showed several buildings completely engulfed in flames or collapsed. A massive column of smoke could be seen rising into the air.

Thompson thanked the quick response of local fire departments and state police.

“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 devoted to hope and healing. We will get through this in the way that we always have and always will — as a family,” Thompson said.

Dorelus said the agency’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit has been called in to assist local fire marshals in the investigation of the blaze.

“Detectives of FEIU will be working to determine the cause and origin of the fire,” he said.