Fairfield, CT - At 2:48pm, Sunday, August 23rd, the Fairfield Emergency Communication Center received a report of a fire alarm at 130 Fairchild Avenue. Engine 2, Engine 3, Ladder 2 and Car 3 were dispatched. While responding, FD units were advised that there was a fire in one of the kitchens.
Fairfield Engine 2 arrived first and reported heavy smoke on the second floor of the 54-unit apartment building and a smoke condition on the third floor. Engine 1, Engine 4, Engine 5 and Ladder 1 were additionally requested to the scene to support the fire ground effort. Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood arrived Car 3 and took command.
Upon gaining access to the apartment, Engine 2 determined the fire had been controlled by the building sprinkler system. On scene, fire units began an extensive search and ventilation operation. High levels of carbon monoxide were found on multiple floors of the building. The occupants of the fire apartment were evaluated for smoke inhalation by AMR. The building was ventilated and all 54 units searched.
Assistant Chief Sherwood added, “I would like to remind people of the importance of evacuating a building when the fire alarm system sounds as occupants were found in the building after the fire who did not evacuate and, in fact, there were high levels of carbon monoxide in the area of their apartments."
Fire Units remained on scene for about two hours. Two apartments in the building were damaged and will not be able to be occupied again at this time.