Bethel Firefighters Stop Porch Fire Before It Spreads Into Home

Bethel, Conn. — October 9 — Bethel Fire & EMS Chief Bill McAllister and a passing volunteer firefighter acted quickly to stop a porch fire from reaching a residential home. 

When McAllister, Car 1, was pulling into the firehouse, a motorist flagged him down after noticing smoke from a neighboring porch. 

McAllister investigated and found significant smoke and fire coming from the front porch. He reached out to dispatch to request a Structure Fire First Alarm assignment, adding more volunteer firefighters to the response. 

Motorist firefighter and EMT Licari, from the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, was passing by. Recognizing the developing fire, McAllister instructed Licari to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the chief's SUV. With the fire still limited to the porch, Licari began extinguishment while McAllister deployed a second extinguisher. Additional Bethel firefighters were assembling at their stations as the initial attack continued.

The quick suppression effort knocked down the fire before it could spread further into the residence. The fire had extended to the porch railing, trim and ceiling, according to Bethel Fire & EMS. Officials said the fire may have started from a Halloween display. The exact cause has not been confirmed, and the Bethel Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.