Fred’s Inn heavily damaged in blaze  

NORWICH – A broiler located at the rear of the kitchen at Fred’s Inn is being blamed for a devastating fire that quickly spread to the popular restaurant’s ceiling and attic Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage and requiring several of the county’s fire departments to respond.

The fire was first reported by a member of the kitchen staff at approximately 2:45 p.m., when he said he noticed flames inside the west wall of the kitchen adjacent to the broiler. Dan Rice, a cook at Fred’s, said he immediately dialed 911 and quickly got everyone out of the building, stating, “I was the last one out.”