Three-Alarm Fire Rattles Bridgeport's South End

By SAYJE BENJAMIN, Correspondent | April 26, 2021 | CONNECTICUT

Story No. 052821115

Photo by Sayje BenjaminHeavy wind-driven smoke pushes from the roof of the 2 1/2 story wood-frame dwelling.

Photo by Sayje BenjaminRoof crews work on vertical ventilation.

Photo by Sayje BenjaminTired crews rehab outside.

BRIDGEPORT, CT - Around 5:55 P.M. on April 26th, the Bridgeport ECC received multiple calls for a structure fire at 331 Park Ave. This Charlie-2 assignment consisted of Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 1, Engine 7 as RIT, Ladder 5, Ladder 11, Rescue 5, Safety Officer 1, Battalion 1 and Battalion 2. Car 3 and FM-10 also responded on the initial alarm.

On arrival, Battalion 1 reported a large two-and-a-half story wood-frame with heavy smoke showing from the rear with risked exposures on the 'B' and 'D' sides. As companies arrived and stretched on the dwelling, they found heavy fire on all floors with the 'C' side well involved.

Battalion 1 quickly struck a second-alarm, bringing E6, E10, L6 and Car 2 to the scene. E7 would now be stretching lines to the rear of the dwelling for fire attack. Companies made a push and were able to push the fire back to the third floor of the dwelling. The fire dug itself into crawlspace and knee walls, causing difficult access. A brief MAYDAY was declared for a missing firefighter, but was quickly cleared after the firefighter was found to be okay.

As conditions continued to deteriorate, and the fire beginning to slightly extend to a neighboring dwelling, command asked for a third-alarm, bringing E12, E15 and L10 to the scene. Car 1 and the command vehicle soon responded after this. E7 stretched lines and quickly knocked the fire on the 'B'/'C' corner roof of the neighboring dwelling and made entry to verify that the fire was out, as well as combat the fire from the neighboring dwelling. A ground monitor from E7 was also placed into service on the 'C'-side of the main fire building.

After over two hours of continuous fire attack, the fire was placed under control around 9:10 P.M. There were some minor injuries to firefighters and few civilians. Red Cross is assisting the occupants. The Bridgeport Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of this fire.