Fire Displaces Family In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A porch fire caused by improperly discarded ashes displaced a family of five from their home Wednesday afternoon in Hamden, according to fire officials. Firefighters were dispatched to the home at 113 First Street at 1:40 p.m. Engine 2 arrived at the scene at 1:43 to find heavy smoke coming from the rear of the two-story house, according to Fire Marshal Brian Dolan.

“An attack line was stretched to the rear porch that was heavily involved in fire,” Dolan wrote in a press release. “The porch fire was quickly knocked down. The fire extended into the kitchen where crews continued to put out hot spots and perform overhaul to check for any further extension.”

The fire was declared under control by Battalion Chief Ron Desroches at 2:17 p.m. One resident was home at the time of the fire and was able to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived, according to Dolan.

The family of five was displaced and is being provided temporary housing and assistance by the American Red Cross.

Dolan determined that the fire was the “result of ashes from a fireplace being disposed in a plastic pail that had been placed on the rear porch a few hours before the fire was reported.”

“The Hamden Fire Department would like to remind residents to practice fire safety when removing ashes from a fireplace or wood stove,” Dolan said. “Using a fire-resistant metal ash shovel, scoop up the old ash, then place into a fire-resistant metal can with a tight-fitting lid. Never keep the metal can in or near your home; keeping it at least 10 feet away. Never use a paper bag, cardboard box, or plastic trash bag to dispose of ashes. Never place the metal container next to the firewood pile, against the garage, on or under a wooden deck or under a porch.”

Photo via the Hamden Fire Department