Paul Newman’s camp for sick children has a major structural fire

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Connecticut state forces and the Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) responded Friday afternoon to a report of a fire in a structure at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, according to Connecticut State Trooper Josue J. Dorelus.

Police did not provide information on how much an area had been affected, but Camp CEO James Canton said the fire destroyed the arts and crafts, wood store, cooking zone and camp store buildings.

This file photo shows the arts and crafts, wood shop and cooking zone buildings that were destroyed by the fire.

There were no injuries. FEIU is working with local firefighters to find out the cause and origin of the fire, Dorelus said.

The camp, located about 35 miles east of Hartford, was founded in 1988 by Paul Newman for critically ill children and their families, according to the camp website. It is named after the gang of bandits in Newman’s hit movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”.

“It was Paul’s dream that Camp, with his unobtrusive expert medical care, would provide seriously ill children with an enjoyable experience characterized by compassion, laughter and acceptance,” said the camp website.

Canton thanked the local fire and state police for their response.

Although the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is known to be a community committed to hope and healing. We will get through this the way we always have and always will. do – – as a family, ”he said.

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