July 26, 2001 - Namco Building Explosion - Manchester CT

Vernon Fire Department established a staging area at the Vernon Colony & Golfland complex to prepare for possible evacuation of Vernon residents or to assist Manchester Fire with any fire suppression.  The staging area was established at 14:15, shorting after the explosion of the NAMCO building on Sanrico Drive in Manchester.  Due to the close vicinity of the NAMCO building to the Vernon town line, fire officials were very concerned what impact the explosion might have on Vernon, especially if the wind direction shifted.  Thanks to Jim Sydoriak from Vernon PD and Larry King from Vernon Fire for contributing photos.