Fast-Spreading Ridgefield Garage Fire Hospitalizes Homeowner

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Fire Department has determined that the garage fire last week at Lakewood Drive Extension was caused when the homeowner fueled a lawnmower inside the garage and attempted to start it. The fire started at about 1:30 p.m. o Friday.

According to Fire Chief Jerry Myers, the owner "reported that it burst into flames. The very fast moving fire caused significant damage to the garage, the bedroom directly above the garage, and the attic space. It appears that the fire from the garage extended up the outside of the home and reached the eaves and into the attic space."

Other parts of the house suffered smoke damage, but were not burned. First responders were met with "zero visibility and high heat," according to the fire report. Their aggressive attack on the fire resulted in most of the structure being saved.

"Credit should be given to the homeowner who had the foresight to close the door between the basement and the main floor which significantly reduced the ability of the fire to spread," Chief Myers said. That homeowner was transported to the hospital for burns.