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Hartford County's Kensington Market, located in Berlin at 1014 Farmington Ave. (Route 372), was damaged by a blaze that broke out on Saturday, Feb. 3 at around 1:40 a.m., according to the Berlin Fire Department.
Arriving crews soon discovered smoke coming from the rear of the building and inside the first floor and called for help from surrounding departments. Firefighters then entered the market and found that the flames were coming from inside a wall.
Crews then spent two and a half hours battling the blaze while trying to prevent as much damage to the business as they could. Firefighters also evacuated a resident from an apartment on the second floor of the building.
As a result of the fire, the market suffered moderate structural damage in the inside and rear of the building.
Because of this damage, the market announced on social media that it would likely close for several weeks as it makes repairs. However, the owners said they were determined to see the silver lining of things.
"When horrible things happen, it is the most amazing blessing to be surrounded by a community like ours," the owners wrote, continuing, "This community came together immediately to offer prayers, well wishes, love, and support as we worked to make sense of today's whirlwind. Social media messages, text messages, and phone calls let us know that we are valued, loved and will be missed and gave us the encouragement to get our doors back open as soon as possible."
The owners also added that the damage was not permanent.
"Everything is fixable and can be replaced," they wrote.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, fire officials currently believe it began near a stove.
As for what comes next, the store's owners said they would post any updates about reopening on social media.
"We anticipate that it will be a few weeks, so we do apologize to those anticipating their Super Bowl orders," they said.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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