A fire ripped through a 2 1/2 story wood frame at 33 Colony St. in Stratford, Conn. on March 21.
The fire first reported at 9:20 a.m. was followed up by numerous calls. Stratford Fire Dispatch sent three engines, the truck, and assistant chief. Firefighters said a heavy column of smoke was visible from fire headquarters, about a mile away.
First due Engine 1 led by Lt. Brian Ruskin arrived on scene to find the first and second floor porches of a 2 1/2 story wood frame well involved, extending to the attic of the asphalt siding covered house.
A 1 3/4-inch line was stretched in through the rear of the structure in an attempt to push the fire that had extended to the inside out the front. But heavy fire conditions, fueled by 30 mph wind gusts, allowed it to take control of the first and second floors.
.With the assistance of firefighters operating two additional engine companies and numerous master stream devices, the fire was brought under control in about an hour.
All occupants escaped safely thanks to working smoke detectors. One firefighter suffered a minor hand laceration from debris.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. But it was initially thought to have started in a couch that was outdoors on the first floor porch.
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