Closing Door Helped Spare Fairfield Home From Damage In Dryer Fire: FD

FAIRFIELD, CT — A home on Division Avenue in Fairfield was spared from potentially serious damage Monday due to the homeowners quickly closing the door to the laundry room where a fire had started, according to Fairfield fire officials.

The fire was reported just before 1 p.m., and upon arrival, firefighters, who arrived in less than 4 minutes, saw heavy smoke coming from the second-floor laundry room.

"This fire could have been a more significant fire loss had it not been for early notification of fire to the residents from the smoke detectors, the homeowner’s decision to immediately dial 911, initiating a timely response from the fire department, and the fact that the homeowner immediately closed the laundry room door containing the fire to the laundry," wrote Fairfield Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood in a statement.

No injuries were reported in the fire, and Sherwood emphasized why closing the door to the laundry room was vital.

"The importance of closing the door to the fire room is significant," Sherwood said. "In this case, the closed laundry room door controlled the fire flow path and reduced the amount of fire spread, keeping the fire in check until fire crews could arrive and extinguish the fire. It no doubt saved an estimated $500,000.00 in fire loss and more importantly prevented any injuries to the residents as they evacuated the residence."