[Updated] Young Family Escapes Blackberry Road Fire

Update, Tuesday, May 15

Neighbors helped contain the fire at 23 Blackberry Road before firefighters showed up, said Daniel J. Utz, of Trumbull, a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Utz, 55, an engineer who almost became a Bridgeport firefighter, said he was exiting the Route 25/8 Connector at exit 9 when he saw black smoke, called 911 and went to investigate.

"I saw flames shooting out of the top of roof," Utz said. "I rang the doorbell. I banged on the door. The back of the house was fully on fire."

"I did make sure there was nobody in the house," he added.

He grabbed a garden hose and tried to dampen the fire but then decided to wet down the rest of house to prevent the fire from spreading.

He also praised the firefighters because they retrieved the children's toys after the family returned home. They are staying with family.

The home's location made fighting the fire difficult because the back faced the river and firefighters had to run long hoses to reach it, Utz noted.

Original Story

A young family was forced from their home at 23 Blackberry Road Saturday night as oil-covered rags ignited, damaging the exterior of the house and the attic and the roof.

The inside of the home also sustained smoke and water damage.

The fire started at 7:51 p.m. and all three fire departments responded, said Chief Ed Gratrix.

"Long Hill Chief Doug Bogen was travelling in the area and within minutes was first to arrive to confirm there was fire visible from the rear of the house and that the occupants had successfully evacuated the residence," Gratrix said.

“This fire had a good hold of the entire rear of the building; there were flames visible over the roof line when we arrived,” Bogen said. “We use had to use the first hose line to knock that down so the second and third hand lines could start in on the attic area." 

The fire was reported under control at 8:44 pm and units remained on scene until after 11:30 salvaging the contents of the interior of the house that was not impacted by the fire, Gratrix said.

"Fire Marshal Megan Murphy investigated the incident and determined that the fire had started on the rear deck from rags covered in combustible oil," Gratrix said.

According to Gratrix, “Once the rags ignited the fire burned from the deck area through the exterior of the structure while climbing up the siding and into the attic of the garage and home via the eves. Accelerating the vertical progression of the fire was an enclosed air conditioning ventilation chase. This also spread the fire from the deck level to the attic area over one section of the main house.” 

“Our thoughts are with this young family and we wish them a speedy return to their home. The most important thing is the family all got out and no firefighters were injured. Chief Bogen and all the firefighters did a outstanding job,” said Gratrix.