Workers Attempted To Put Out Fire With Garden Hose: Fairfield FD

FAIRFIELD, CT — Firefighters quickly extinguished an attic fire at a Fairfield home after workers on the roof attempted to put out the fire with a garden hose on Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. Firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a roof at 176 Fairfield Place in which a neighbor reported that workers on the roof were attempting to put out a fire with a garden hose. Lt. Brian McHugh and Fairfield Engine 4 arrived first on the scene and confirmed the report, noting that heavy smoke was coming from the attic area, officials said.

“Assisted by firefighters from Engine 4, Engine 1, and Rescue 1, he stretched a hose line to the second floor, opened up walls and the ceiling, quickly exposing and extinguishing the fire,” officials wrote in a press release. “Asst. Chief George Gomola arrived on scene and took command. Firefighters from Ladder 2 and Engine 2 laddered the building and cut a hole in the roof, allowing the smoke and heat trapped inside the attic to escape. Chief McCarthy and Deputy Chief Dunn arrived on scene to assist.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Marshal Phil Higgins. Building Official Tom Conley also responded to the scene.

“Quick action by Lt. McHugh confined the fire to the attic area and prevented the wind driven fire from burning off the roof and consuming the second floor,” Gomola, the incident commander, said. “The delay caused by the workers on scene attempting to control the fire themselves instead of calling 911 and reporting the fire created a very dangerous situation for the workers and for firefighters. It is extremely important to notify 911 immediately when there is a fire or other emergency.”

Mutual aid coverage was provided by Bridgeport and Westport Fire Departments relocated to Fairfield fire stations while Fairfield Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. No Injuries were reported, and the last unit left the scene shortly before 6 p.m.