East Haven House Fire Displaces 10, Firefighters Replace Toys, Gifts

EAST HAVEN, CT —A Friday afternoon fire has displaced 10 people right before Christmas.

According to East Haven Fire Chief Matthew Marcarelli, at around 1:30 p.m., firefighters were called to 207 Rose St. Extension for a report of a structure fire. Firefighters had the blaze under control within 10 minutes, Marcarelli said. And firefighters rescued two pets, he said. The fire chief noted that the "investigation is focusing on an unattended candle as the cause."

Marcarelli said the tenants are "being temporarily relocated by the Red Cross."

"During the investigation of the fire, it was discovered that the house was an illegal two-family and will be turned over to the building department" for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the East Haven Firefighters Local 1205 has "offered to replace any damaged toys and Christmas presents," Marcarelli said.