I-95 NB Exit 30 Extrication 5/13/08
At approx 11:00am C3, E5, C4 (acting as Engine 1) responded to I-95 NB in the area of Exit 30 for a two car MVA with extrication. Ladder 1 special called for manpower. MVA was an SUV into a car pushed into the guardrail. E5 removed the guardrail and forced the passenger side door to extricate the patient. Pt transported via ambulance to an area hospital.
Emerson St. Working Structure Fire 5/12/08
At approx 12:45 E1, E2, E5, L1, C3 responded to a reported structure fire at 97 Emerson St. Upon arrival E5 found heavy black smoke from the rear of the structure. C3 reported fire in the attic and cockloft. Ladder 1 opened the roof for vent while crews stretched interior lines. E4 and E5 added to the assignement for manpower. Milford FD called for mutual aid to cover HQ.
3 Story Victorian Main St. Working Fire 5/10/08
At approx 04:30 am E1, E2, E5, L1, C3 responded to a reported structure fire at 3044 Main St. Upon arrival Engine 1 reporting heavy fire from the C side of the building. Fire was found to be in the basement with extension to all three floors. E3 and E4 added to the assignment. Milford FDand Bridgeport FD for mutual aid to cover HQ.
Pedestrain Struck 4/28/08
Stratford (WTNH) _ A 13-year old boy was struck by a town tree-trimming truck while on his way to school Monday morning. He later died at an area hospital. The accident happened near the intersection of East Main Street and Wilcoxson Avenue around 7:30 a.m.
The Flood Middle School studenl, was seen lying in the middle of the street by his neighbor -- who tried to help. "I tried to get him to hold my hand, he wouldn't hold my hand. I just wanted him to be okay," Erin Wcislo, a witness, said. "I just wanted him to be okay. His poor mom."
Police say there was heavy rain at the time, although they are still piecing together exactly what happened. The driver of the town tree trimming truck stayed at the scene and there is no word right now on whether he will face any charges.
Police tell News Channel 8 that they are looking at the traffic flow, the function of the traffic lights in the area and say the weather conditions may have been a factor.
The boy died at Bridgeport Hospital.
Garage Fire w/ extension to exposures 4/25/08
At approx 00:30 Stratford FD was dispatched to a garage fire @ 75 Avon St. Upon arrival E-1 reported fully involved garage fire with extension to A side exposure. Upon stretching lines E-1 found extension to the exposure on the D side of the structure as well. E-1 using a 2 1/2 line knocked down the fire from the Avon St side, while E-5 controlled the exposures from the Avon St side.
L-1 went to work on the roof of the exposure on the D side of the fire building opening up the roof. E-3 stretched a line to the second floor of the D side exposure opening up the walls to knock down visible fire inside the building.
E-2 knocked down the fire from the Stratford Ave side and also controlled extension to the D side exposure using a 2 1/2.
After extensive overhaul the fire was deemed under control @ appox 01:44, with minimal damage to the A side exposure and the A/D exposure. There was moderate fire damage to the exposure on the D side of the fire building. No civilian or firefighter injuries reported.
Ramada Inn Hotel Room Fire 4/22/08
STRATFORD — A mid-morning fire that broke out in a guest room's heating/air-conditioning unit this morning displaced about 20 guests at the Ramada Inn on Lordship Boulevard.
The damage was, for the most part, confined to one second-floor room of the six-story structure, according to Deputy Fire Chief Michael Hostetter. "We had smoke throughout the building, though, which we're evacuating," he said.
He added that every available fire unit in town was dispatched to the blaze. "With a building like this, with the potential for a lot of a people in danger, you respond with everything you have," he said.
Hostetter said that the fire was extinguished quickly and that any water damage was minimal. There was no visible fire damage from the exterior of the building, other than the blackened interior of the room where the blaze took place, its windows agape.
Inside the building, the verbal fire alarm repeated the warning over and over: "An emergency has been reported in this building! Please cease operations and go to the nearest exit!"
Outside, displaced guests huddled in the cool morning air, watching firefighters go about their business.
Also standing around were about 15 hotel employees, including the workers at the Peppermill Restaurant, which had moved to a new site at the Ramada in December from Westport.
JOHN BURGESON CT Post
Colony Street House Fire 3/21/08
STRATFORD — Strong winds helped fuel a stubborn fire this morning that destroyed a three family house and forced the evacuation of six occupants, some still in their pajamas.
Fire officials say the only casualties may have been some kittens on the second floor at 31-35 Colony St., although that could not be confirmed.
Thick black smoke from the fire blew east across nearby Metro-North Railroad tracks and Interstate 95.
The fire was reported at 9:21 a.m. by a passerby who saw flames coming from the structure's first floor. At about the same time, occupants of the house heard their smoke detectors go off and fled out the back, said Fire Marshal Thomas Velky.
He said the house was recently inspected for smoke detectors and no problems were found.
The fire appears to have begun in the front, said Fire Chief John Cybart standing in front of the charred remains of the front porch roof, which had collapsed. Flames still spit from corners of the roof as he spoke.
Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to other houses on the residential street.
LINDA CONNER LAMBECK lclambeck@ctpost.com
Ruby Lane House Fire 3/16/08
STRATFORD — After flames and smoke raged out of control and threatened to destroy a Cape Cod-style home at 85 Ruby Lane Sunday afternoon, about 20 firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and even rescue a pet dog trapped inside.
The fire, which broke out in the second story of Frank Kelly's home about 3:30 p.m., quickly spread as a 15-year-old at home alone at the time called 911 for help.
The unidentified teenager, who was advised to immediately leave the house, stood afterward with family members looking dazed and clutching a guitar. But there were no injuries reported, and Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Daniel said the blaze was not considered suspicious and very likely caused by an electrical problem in the upper part of the house.
"When firefighters arrived at the scene the boy was standing outside and he alerted us that a German shepherd puppy was trapped in the basement," said Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Murray, shift commander. "The teen was very helpful in directing us to the area where the fire seemed to start.
"It was an extremely tough fire to bring under control because of its location in the house, but we were able to do so within about 15 minutes," he said.
Murray said a rookie firefighter, Steven Michalovic, rescued the dog that was penned up in the basement while flames fully engulfed the upper level of the house.
Both Murray and Daniel said there was extensive damage to the second story, as gaping holes were left on both sides of the house where firefighters had to knock through to get to the flames in two bedrooms.
The rest of the house also incurred heavy smoke and water damage, fire officials said.
"We were able to save the house, but nobody is going to be able to live there for quite a while," Daniel said. He estimated the damage likely exceeding $100,000.
Meanwhile, neighbors, who said the family had moved in within the past six months, described the intensity of the blaze that left a strong smell of smoke lingering in the air. "We were having a party and all of a sudden firetrucks pulled up and I saw flames and smoke raging from the second story," said Al Garcia, who lives directly across the street at 70 Ruby Lane. "It's really a shame because I knew the previous owners and was inside after they did a lot of work, and it was such a beautiful, cozy house."
Garcia and other neighbors said firefighters arrived within moments and were able to control the fire quickly.
"The main thing is no one was hurt, but I'm sure right now the family is devastated, and I can't say I blame them," Garcia said.
RICHARD WEIZEL rweizel@ctpost.com
Photo by Brian A. Pounds/Connecticut Post
Pleasure Beach Cottage Fires 3/6/08
Stratford (WTNH) _ A fire on an island right off the coast of Stratford and Bridgeport is being called suspicious.
For a time, firefighters could do nothing but watch as a number of cottages burned to the ground on the slice of land known as Pleasure Beach and Long Beach West.
The raging fire could be seen for miles. One cottage...then two...then three. "This is one of the concerns that we've had with these cottages for over a decade now," Stratford Mayor James Miron said. "There's...a lack of fire boat and a lack of hydrants out here."
And there is no bridge to get them. After it burned back in 1996, Bridgeport decided not to spend several million to repair it. So the only way to the homes is by boat or a two-mile walk at low-tide. The residents were evicted last summer. Since then, there've been squatters and trespassers.
"There are reports that shortly after the fire was called in, witnesses saw youths leaving the area," Mayor Miron said.
Firefighters from Stratford and Bridgeport were able to get across to the abandoned cottages, though without their heavier equipment. Shelton pitched in and brought their water boat to help.
"It's just a dangerous situation and it was just a matter of time," Mayor Miron noted.
Bridgeport/Stratford Structure Fire 3/5/08
On March 4, 2008, Engine 1, Engine 5, Ladder 1, Engine 2 and Car were dispatched around 2100, to a structure fire at Barnum and Sage, at the Stratford and Bridgeport city line.
Upon arrival Bridgeport crews started stretching 1 3/4" lines to the building while Stratford crews were working on forcible entry and ventilation. Ladder 1 proceeded to cut open the garage door for Bridgeport to make entry with their line on the "A" side of the structure. Engine 1 was on the "D" side of the building checking out conditions and performing ventilation. Engine 2 made the hydrant and stood by for further orders.
Crews from Ladder 1 and Engine 1 started performing vertical ventilation on the roof just as the garage door was being opened. Engine 5 made its way to the roof via the aerial to assist the Ladder company. 2 crew members from Engine 5, and a crew member from Engine 1 proceeded to perform horizontal ventilation.
Ladder 1, Engine 5, and 2 members from Engine 1 made their way to the roof of that adjacent structure. Ladder 1 made a small inspection cut to check for extension. After ventilation and extinguishing operations were complete, the Stratford FD was cleared while Bridgeport FD performed the overhaul.
Basement Fire 2/15/08
On February 15, 2008, at approximately 8:30 a.m. E1, E5, E3, L1 and Car 3 were dispatched to 118 Evelyn St. for a report of a possible basement fire. While responding, Car 3 added E2 to the assignment as the RIT.
Upon arrival, E1 reported smoke showing from the basement and first floor of a 2 story duplex. E5 established water supply and performed a primary search of the first floor as L1 provided ventilation and forced entry.
E1 stretched the initial attack line to the basement and reported a heavy smoke condition. E3 pulled the back up line and searched the 2nd floor of the building. E1 attacked the fire which had spread from the basement into the floor and walls of the first floor.
Due to extension, there was extensive overhaul. CT State Police Fire Marshals were called to the scene to assist in the investigation. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
3 car MVA involving tractor trailer 2/13/08
At 4 am on 2-13-08 E1 and E5 were dispatched to an MVA on I95 south in the area of exit 31. Upon arrival E1 reported a 3 car mva involving a tractor trailer. E1 special called L1, Car 3, and Engine 3 for manpower.
E5 extricated one patient from an SUV. L1 reported that the tractor trailer, which was off the highway on the exit ramp, ruptured both saddle tanks leaking approximately 50-75 gallons of diesel fuel. DEP was contacted to assist with the fuel spill.
E1 assisted AMR with a total of two patients. Both patients were transported by AMR to local hospitals.
Woman rescued from house fire 2/10/08
STRATFORD — A working smoke detector and a quick response from the town's fire department helped save the life of a Dewey Street woman when her home caught on fire early Sunday morning.
Helen Temple was asleep in the two-story cape about 1:30 a.m. when the smoke detectors sounded. Her 10-year-old daughter was able to escape the house, but Temple was caught upstairs as the staircase burned, according to Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Ross. "The fire started on the first floor and quickly spread up the staircase," Ross said. "The 10-year-old got out but the mother was trapped because of the flames on the staircase and wasn't able to get down."
While one group of firefighters attacked the flames, Lt. Jim Mecozzi and Firefighter Jeremy Smith carried Temple to safety, Ross said.
"It was a coordinated attack," Ross said.
Temple said she doesn't remember much of what happened. "It's still a blur," she said Sunday afternoon.
"I woke up to the smoke alarms going off," she said. "I could walk but I just couldn't see through the smoke."
Both she and her daughter, whom she declined to identify, were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, where they were treated and released. Temple said she suffered injuries to her face and hands. She also said she has no idea how the fire could have started.
The house sustained damage but can be repaired, Ross said. "They were able to stop the fire quickly to save the home," he said. "It needs to be repaired before anyone can live in it
In the meantime, Temple said she has no idea where she and her daughter will stay. She was waiting to hear back from the American Red Cross, she said, whom she hopes will be able to provide her with temporary shelter.
"I don't have anyplace to stay," she said.
The incident is another example of the importance of having working smoke detectors in homes, Ross said.
"Once again, smoke detectors saved lives," he said.
KATE RAMUNNI kramunni@ctpost.com
Stratford apartments gutted by fire 2/2/08
Connecticut Post
STRATFORD — Two fourth-floor apartments were gutted
by fire and others were damaged by smoke Saturday morning
during a blaze in a Broadbridge Avenue condominium.
The two-alarm fire was reported at about 9:11 a.m. in a
brick building at 17000 Broadbridge Ave., near Barnum Avenue.
Firefighters arriving at the scene were met with flames
coming out of one apartment. Firefighters on a ladder truck
knocked out the windows and shot a stream of water into
the building, while other firefighters took hose lines from
inside, up four stories.
No injuries were reported but the Red Cross assisted the
occupants of at least two units in finding other accommodations,
according to Assistant Fire Chief Dan Ross.
Three pumper trucks and the ladder truck made the initial
response, and two more pumpers were dispatched after the
second alarm. Milford and Bridgeport units provided potential
coverage assistance for the town's headquarters company
during the response to the blaze, fire officials said.
Firefighters remained on the scene until after 1 p.m. and
the cause of the blaze remained under investigation Saturday
night.
Pole crash spurs Stratford blackout 1/30/08
RICHARD WEIZEL rweizel@ctpost.com
STRATFORD — A driver crashed into a utility pole and
auto repair shop on Stratford Avenue late Wednesday, rolling
his car, and had to be extricated from the wreckage.
The accident about 10:30 p.m. at 1574 Stratford Ave. knocked
down a United Illuminating pole and wires, blacking out
electric power for 638 UI customers.
Power was restored to most customers in an hour, but a
few near the scene of the crash did not have service restored
until about 5:30 a.m., said UI spokesman Al Carbone.
The driver, after being removed from his Nissan Maxima
by about eight Stratford firefighters using a hydraulic
tool, was rushed to Bridgeport Hospital by Stratford EMS.
Police had not released the man's identity by late Thursday,
and his condition was unknown.
Richard Fredette, owner of Elite Auto Body and Repair Shop,
said his business received more than $20,000 in damage from
the accident.
"I was in my house across the street and heard a loud
crash," said Fredette, a former member of the Town
Council and Zoning Commission. "When I ran to the scene
with a flashlight the car was on its roof and I could hear
moaning, so I called 911."
Fredette said the man, apparently in his early 40s, appeared
to be in "pretty bad shape."
He said more than 150 feet of a 6-foot-high chain link
fence on his property was damaged, as well as a 2004 Ford
Expedition parked on the premises. He estimated damages
at about $21,000.
Garage fire damages
Stratford home 1/25/08
DANIEL TEPFER dtepfer@ctpost.com
STRATFORD — A Hazelwood Terrace home suffered extensive
fire damage Friday afternoon.
When firefighters arrived at the two-story, colonial-style
house at 100 Hazelwood Terrace, heavy smoke was pouring
from the attached garage, according to fire officials.
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Hostetter said the garage was
packed with wares that caused the fire to escalate. He said
a resident of the home was working on the furnace in an
area adjoining the garage when the fire broke out. He said
the man, whose identity was not released, apparently attempted
to put the fire out himself.
"At this point we believe that whatever work he was
doing on the furnace may have caused the fire, but it's
still under investigation," Hostetter said. The man
also suffered minor smoke inhalation, but refused to be
taken to the hospital, the deputy chief said. There were
no other injuries.
According to town tax records, the owner of the home is
Wanda Bajda.
Firefighters managed to confine most of the fire damage
to the single-story garage, but the chief said the rest
of the structure did have smoke damage. He estimated the
total damage from the fire at between $40,000 and $50,000.
The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes.
Pedestrian struck
by train 8/10/07
STRATFORD — A northbound Metro-North train struck and killed a pedestrian just minutes after leaving the Bridgeport station on its way to Waterbury just before 8:30 p.m. Friday night.
Stratford, Bridgeport and Metro-North police were called to the scene where the man was killed.
The train had just left the Bridgeport station at 8:23 p.m. when passengers heard a loud bump and thump.
The conductor and engineer immediately stopped the train and went out to investigate what it may have hit.
A few minutes later the engineer announced to the approximately 120 passengers aboard that "we hit someone" and "we'll be here for awhile."
All train traffic was stopped while the investigation began
James Shay, the Connecticut Post Sunday editor was aboard the train.
Shay heard the engineer say "he walked right at me. He looked right at me. He never stopped."
The accident occurred near New England Check Cashing Service on Stratford Avenue.
Shay said the passengers aboard the train "did not seem stunned," "were not crying" and just wanted to get on their way.
Goodwin Place Structure Fire 8/7/07
STRATFORD — A fire Monday night in an upstairs bedroom at 84 Goodwin Place has left a family of four homeless.
Assistant Fire Chief John Milne said Tuesday the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined Milne said that because the older home had plaster walls, the blaze caused extensive heat buildup. In addition to the bedroom, which was destroyed, the attic received fire damage and the remainder of the house had smoke and water damage.
The structure was later determined to be uninhabitable by Fire Marshal Brian Lampart.
The fire was called in at 7:11 p.m., and firefighters remained at the scene until 10:25 p.m.
Carol Banner, a spokeswoman for the Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the displaced family includes Clifton Bryant, his wife, Shirley, and two daughters in their 20s.
Bryant, a veteran of the Korean War, uses crutches in the aftermath of orthopedic surgery. There were, however, no injuries as a result of the fire.
The Red Cross chapter "put them up for the night in a hotel, and we gave them food and clothing" Banner said of the Bryants. "The heat was so intense, we couldn't get into the home until some time afterwards."
The family, Banner said, has fire insurance and should be able to arrange temporary housing until their home is repaired.
She said the Red Cross provided the firefighters with ice-cold water while they battled the blaze.
"It was a pretty warm night to fight a fire," she said.
JOHN BURGESON Jburgeson@ctpost.com
McPadden Drive Structure Fire 5/25/07
At approxiamtely 21:10 SFD was dispatched to a possible structure fire on McPadden Dr.
Upon arrival E-1 stated they had smoke showing from the structure and that all the residents had been evacuated.
Car 3 transmitted a working structure fire and requested E-2 for RIT.
E-1 stretched the primary line through the front door to a fully involved bedroom fire, while E-5 established a water supply.
L-1 and E-5 performed forcible entry along with horizontal and vertical ventilation.
E-3 stretched the back up line to the front door and assisted E-1 with extinguishemtn and overhaul.
The main body of fire was contained to the bedroom. At this time there are no reported injuries.
Fire destroys Stratford meeting house 5/23/07
(Stratford-WTNH) _ A piece of Stratford history has been destroyed by fire. It was a meeting house that was part of the Harry Rosen rehabilitation home.
Stratford firefighters tried their best, but the 100-year-old building is a complete loss.
"Apparently it escalated quickly on them," Deputy Chief Mike Hostetter said. "The structure became fully involved on them, so they backed out and fought it from the exterior.
"
No one was physically hurt in the fire, but the 15 residents of this transitional living facility are suffering from hurt and sadness after seeing their comforting meeting room destroyed.
"Kind of a gathering place for the guys," program manager John Davey said. "Maybe when it was raining out, rather than gather in the yard they'd hang out in there and use it as a place to talk."
The loss of this building not only affects those currently living here, but it rekindles deep memories from former residents.
"This whole foundation changed my life," former resident David Shafer said.
"When I heard about the fire I just wanted to come down and see if everyone was ok."
The Harry Rosen Program is all about turning negatives into positives, and that's just what they want to do with the building they affectionately called "the barn".
"They want to know if we need any help rebuilding it," Davey said.
"We are gonna work on that and see if we can get this thing fixed back up."
It took almost three hours to put out the blaze.
However, the memories from the gatherings inside the old barn will never be extinguished.
by News Channel 8's Marc Robbins
Access Rd. Marsh Fire 5/3/07
On 5-3-07 SFD E-3, E-5 responded to a report of a marsh fire on Access Rd. Dispatch received multiple calls on this alarm and C-3 added L-1 and E-1. Upon arrival E-3 reported a working fire in the marsh. Car 3 added E-4 upon arrival and Bridgeport FD was on scene due to the location of the fire being near the airport.
Bridgeport FD and E-1 were able to keep the fire from extending to the businesses that are located on the north side of Access Rd. E-5 stopped the fire from spreading into Fowlers Inc on the east side of the fire, while E-3 and E-4 prevented the fire from spreading south to the airport. After the fire was contained E-1, E-5 and L-1 extinguished the main body of fire and remaining hot spots.
Stamford woman dies in Merritt crash 4/15/07
STRATFORD — A 57-year-old Stamford woman died Sunday evening in a single-car crash on the Merritt Parkway near the exit 53 ramp.
The patient was dead at the scene from fatal injuries, State Police said.
The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder she was driving north on the parkway veered to the right for an unknown reason shortly after 5 p.m. and struck a tree, police said.
The left side of the Pathfinder was badly damaged, police said.
Fire Chief John Cybart said the patient had to be extricated from the crushed vehicle.
Even though the accident took place as heavy rain and winds gripped the region, the accident was apparently not related to weather conditions, Cybart said.
Pedestrian hit by car in Stratford 4/5/07
(Stratford - WTNH) _ Police are investigating an accident involving a pedestrian and a car in Stratford.
The accident happened at the Docks Shopping Center on Ferry Boulevard around 3:00 PM. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Their name is being withheld until family members are notified.
Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped after the accident, there is no word on whether any charges will be filed.
STRATFORD — I-95 Exit Ramp Crash 3/22/07
Three people were seriously injured in a four-vehicle crash on the Exit 32 ramp from Interstate 95 this morning.
The three were rescued from their vehicles by the Stratford Fire Department and rushed to Bridgeport Hospital for treatment.
All four vehicles were leaving the highway on the southbound ramp when the pile-up occurred at about 7:30 a.m.
The "chain-reaction" crash, according to Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Murray, involved an SUV, two sedans and a 14-foot box truck. Murray, who arrived at the scene about 7:40 a.m. along with 10 firefighters, three state police officers and two local police officers, said the drivers of the truck, an SUV and a sedan were trapped for about 90 minutes and had to be extricated with Jaws of Life equipment.
He said the off-ramp, part of Broad Street and one lane of adjoining Linden Avenue were closed until about 9 a.m.
State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance said the troopers are conducting an investigation into the crash. Rich Weizel, who covers Stratford, can be reached at 330-6470.
STRATFORD — Chimney Fire 3/21/07
At approximately 18:40 pm SFD responded to a report of a chimeny fire on James Farm Road. Upon arrival Car 2 stated that he had flames showing from a chimney. Ladder 1 was able to use the chimney chains along with dry chemica and water extinguishers to knock down the fire.
Car 2, Car3, Engine 4, Engine 5, and Ladder 1 were on scene for approximately 2 hours.
STRATFORD — Electrical Fire 3/21/07
At approximately 16:40 pm SFD responded to a report of an electrical fire @ 1030 Stratford Ave. Upon arrival Engine 1 knocked down, a small fire in the ceiling, with a water can.
The power was shut down to the building and the smoke was ventilated. The fire marshal responded to the scene and the incident was turned over to FM1.
STRATFORD — Duplex Fire 3/16/07
At approximately 12:50 pm SFD responded to a report of smoke in a residence on Larkin Ct. Upon arrival Engine 1 reported that they had heavy smoke showing from the second floor. Car 3 immediately dispatched Engine 2 to respond as the RIT team.
The homeowner reported that his step son was trapped in the residence. Engine 1 stretched the primary attack line and began a primary search, while Engine 3 entered with the back up line. Ladder 1 began to vent the roof, with a heavy smoke condition throughout the residence. All searches were negative.
The fire was found on the first floor in the furnace room under the stairs. The fire extended throughout multiple walls and across the ceiling of the first floor. No SFD members were injured and there were no reported civilian casualties. The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes.
