2 Dogs Die in Milford Condo Complex Fire, Cat Rescued by Firefighters: UPDATE

MILFORD, CT — Two dogs died and a cat was rescued during a three-alarm fire that damaged a three-story condominium complex at 267 Melba Street Sunday evening, a top fire official said.

Firefighters suffered minor injuries because of the freezing cold and icy conditions.

The fire broke out just before 6 p.m. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and found a large volume of fire venting out of the rear of the second floor unit, said Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi.

The fire extended up the side of the building and into the third floor and attic area. A second alarm was immediately initiated and closely followed by a third alarm due to the size and complexity of the structure, as well as below freezing temperatures, fire officials said.

An aggressive interior attack was made, which brought the fire under control in approximately 40 minutes, Fabrizi said. Fire crews from Stratford and West Haven assisted Milford Firefighters on scene in addition to providing coverage throughout the city during the incident, officials said.

The occupants of the complex had evacuated safely prior to the arrival of fire crews. Two dogs were found deceased in one of the units during a primary search by Milford Firefighters and removed from the building, Fabrizi said.

A cat was also pulled from the structure suffering from smoke inhalation and was treated on scene. Milford Animal Control was called in to take possession of the cat.

Over 30 firefighters responded to assist in the effort. Minor injuries were reported due to fire crews falling on ice during the incident, officials said. The Red Cross of Milford was on scene to assist occupants that were displaced by the blaze.

Milford’s Fire Marshal’s division is conducting their investigation and a cause has yet to be determined.

Photo credit: Chris Zak and Anthony Fabrizi