Dog Dies, Resident Escapes From House Fire In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A dog died in a fire that severely damaged a home Monday afternoon in Hamden but neighbors were able to successfully wake up a sleeping resident who made it outside to safety, according to fire officials. Firefighters responded to the home at 114 Fallon Drive just before 3 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls. The first-arriving crew reported a heavily involved structure with fire showing, and fire exposure to a nearby home, according to Hamden Fire Chief Gary Merwede.

“Neighbors were able to wake up the sleeping male occupant of the home by banging on doors and windows,” Merwede wrote in a press release. “Through this quick action the homeowner was able to make it outside to safety. Unfortunately, the family dog was unable to escape and perished in the fire.”

Neighbors reported to Fire Marshal Brian Dolan that the fire quickly spread from the open carport to the attached home.

“Firefighters on scene were challenged by gusting winds that accelerated the spread of the fire,” Merwede said. “A nearby home was damaged by radiant heat and had significant vinyl siding damage. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from extending into this nearby exposure.”

The home experienced significant heat, smoke and water damage due to the fire, according to Merwede. The displaced family will be staying with relatives in the area. The homeowner and firefighters reported no injuries, Merwede said.

Dolan remained on the scene Monday evening to investigate the origin and cause of this fire. The following companies responded to the fire: E2, E3, T1, S1, E5, E8 (vol), R2, C3, C1, C5, C55, C56, Hamden CERT. Hamden received mutual aid for town coverage from New Haven, North Haven, Cheshire and AMR.