Dateline Fairfield July 26th 2009

On Sunday July 26, 2009 at approximately 10:42 PM the Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of smoke in the basement resulting from a possible lightening strike on Bennett Street.  The elderly resident had evacuated the building and called 911 from a neighbor’s house.  Engines 3, 2, 1, Ladder 2, Rescue 1 and Car 3 responded.  Engine 3 reported on scene and confirmed the report of a smoke condition in the basement.  At approximately the same time as Engine 3’s arrival, a resident living on London Terrace reported heavy fire coming from the house across the street.  The two incidents were located approximately .3 miles apart from each other in the Stratfield section of Fairfield. 

Engine 2, Rescue 1, and Car 3 diverted from the Bennett Street fire and responded to London Terrace along with Engines 4 and 5.  Asst. Chief Gomola arrived on scene and reported heavy fire on the left side of the building extending into the attic.  Fire was also visible from the attic vent in the front of the building.  Two cars were in the driveway and the house was locked tight.  A ladder company and an additional engine were requested from the Bridgeport Fire Department.  Fairfield Engine 2 arrived on scene and extinguished the fire on the outside of the building. Rescue 1 arrived, forced entry into the building and performed a primary search to check for occupants or pets.  None were found. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

 Upon arrival Fairfield Ladder 2 gained access to the roof and cut a large hole over the fire in the attic.  Firefighters from Engine 2 and 3 stretched fire hose lines inside the building to the second floor.  They pulled down the second floor ceilings, exposed the fire in the attic and extinguished the fire. The exterior soffit area of the attic was opened to locate hidden fires and complete extinguishment.  Firefighters used tarps and plastic sheeting to protect furniture and other valuables from damage.  It took approximately 45 minutes to complete extinguishment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fairfield Fire Marshal’s Office. Severe thunderstorms and lighting had been reported in the area at the time of the fire.