FAIRFIELD, CT - Fast-acting neighbors notified 911 and alerted sleeping residents on Ruane Street that their home was on fire, preventing multiple fatalities from occurring.
At 12:02am, Saturday, March 13, the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at 226 Ruane Street. Engines 1, 2, 4, 5, Ladder 2, Rescue 1, and Car 3 responded. Engine 1, under the command of Lt. Jon Catandella, arrived on the scene in three minutes and reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. The Shift Commander, Assistant Chief Roger Caisse, arrived in Car 3 shortly after and confirmed Engine 1’s report. A/C Caisse quickly assessed the situation and called for Fairfield’s only remaining Engine (3) to respond to the scene. In addition, A/C Caisse called for a second alarm which provided an additional Battalion Chief, Safety Officer, 2 Engines, Rescue Unit, and Ladder Truck from Bridgeport directly to the scene.
Units used multiple hand lines to aggressively battle this wind-driven fire which quickly spread to two nearby neighbors’ homes. Fire Chief Denis McCarthy (Car 1), Deputy Chief Kyran Dunn (Car 2), and Safety Officer Assistant Chief Scott Bisson (Car 5) responded to the scene to support operations bringing the total number of firefighters at the scene to 44.
One elderly resident suffered some minor burns and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital by American Medical Response. His injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
The Incident Commander, A/C Roger Caisse, stated, “This wind-driven fire contributed to the rapid acceleration of fire conditions that caused damage to the siding of one neighbor’s home and quickly spread the fire onto the roof and into the attic space of a second neighbor’s home. There is no doubt that the quick actions of the neighbors activating the 911 system and alerting sleeping residents in this home saved their lives.”
Damage to the home where the fire originated is estimated to be over $250,000. The structure has been declared uninhabitable. The Red Cross was on scene to assist residents with relocation if needed. The Fire Marshal, A/C Phil Higgins, is investigating the fire's cause.
Shortly after the alarm was received for Ruane Street, the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a call at 12:12am for another structure fire at 30 First Street. Engine 3 was redirected to that assignment. An additional mutual aid assignment was requested from Bridgeport to assist at that scene. This exterior fire was extinguished by the resident prior to Engine 3’s arrival but extensive overhaul was conducted to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The Deputy Fire Marshal, Lt. Jeff Edmondson, is investigating the cause of this fire. The last fire unit cleared First Street at 2:41am.
The Bridgeport and Westport Fire Departments provided mutual station coverage for the remainder of the Town while Fairfield Fire Units were on scene.