Homeowner Treated After Trying to Extinguish Fire Himself: Milford Fire

MILFORD, CT — A house was badly damaged during a fire on Tuesday afternoon, a top fire official said.

The homeowner attempted to put out the fire himself before firefighters arrived and was treated for smoke inhalation and exposure by Milford fire paramedics, said Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi.

"When a structure fire occurs, it is imperative to evacuate the residence and call 911 from outside of the building. Attempts to extinguish the fire should be left to properly trained and equipped fire personnel," Fabrizi said.

The fire began at 12:25 p.m. as Milford Fire dispatch received a 911 call from an alarm monitoring company, reporting an activated fire alarm at 45 Bayshore Drive Extension.

Firefighters from Quint 5 arrived on scene to find the homeowner reporting a moderate smoke condition on the second floor, fire officials said.

A hose-line was advanced into the structure where a fire was found in the second floor bedroom. Crews from Car 4, Engine 1, Tower 1, and Engine 6 arrived on scene to assist.

Firefighters extinguished the small blaze rapidly and confined the flames to the bedroom, Fabrizi said. Smoke damage did extend throughout the majority of the single family structure, Fabrizi added.

Photo credit: Anthony Fabrizi