CT Firefighter Rescued while Trapped in Burning Residence

A Connecticut firefighter was rescued after becoming low on air when he was trapped on the second floor of a burning house Wednesday.

Fairfield crews responded to a fire at a two-family house shortly before 9:30 p.m., the department said in a statement. The blaze broke out in the basement crawlspace and spread through a large wall void to the first and second floors, as well as the attic.

Heavy smoke, access challenges and multiple renovations created difficulties for firefighters, who aggressively attacked the flames. Along with the Fairfield Fire Department, crews from Bridgeport and Westport also were part of the efforts to put out the blaze.

During the incident, a Fairfield firefighter called a mayday when he was briefly trapped on the second floor and began running out of air. He was able to make his way to an open window, and his colleagues raised a ladder to safely get him to the ground.

Medics evaluated the firefighter at the scene, and he returned to battling the blaze.

The residents at the house were able to escape before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. Crews were able to save a large collection of tropical fish and birds in one of the units.

The fire eventually was brought under control at about 10:45 p.m. Its cause is under investigation.

“This was a dangerous, stubborn fire that was very difficult to extinguish …," Fairfield Asst. Chief George Gomola, the incident commander, said in a statement. "We are very grateful the “Mayday” was quickly resolved and that no firefighters or civilians were hurt or injured. We continually practice and prepare for firefighter rescue, and tonight that training paid off."