2 Escape House Fire In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — No injuries were reported after crews extinguished a dryer fire that grew into “heavy fire conditions” at a home in North Haven on Sunday, according to officials. Crews responded to a dryer fire at 18 Millbrook Road around 4:35 p.m. on March 1.

The 911 call was coded as a possible structure fire that resulted in the following units being dispatched: Headquarters (11 Broadway) E1, T1, R1 and (West Ridge) E6 as well as (Montowese) E2, according to officials.

“Fortunately, there were no other incidents occurring at this time which allowed all of the apparatus within fire headquarters to respond with the eight career personnel on duty,” officials wrote in a news release. “While en route, a second 911 call reported the fire was growing out of control. E1, T1 and R1 arrived on scene within six minutes to find heavy fire conditions within the lower level of a raised ranch with fire venting out of the garage. An aggressive interior fire attack commenced which involved establishing a water supply, fire attack, searching for occupants, ventilation and confinement.

“An engine from Hamden FD was requested due to the immediate need for a second engine on scene. E6 arrived within 13 minutes of being dispatched and E2 arrived within 22 minutes of being dispatched. Fortunately, there were no injuries to either of the two occupants and there were no injuries to any fire personnel operating on scene.”

Officials said the following aspects of the incident were worth highlighting:

• The need for all on-duty career staff to be dispatched to the report of any possible structure fire is imperative in order to ensure the appropriate amount of personnel is on scene in accordance with NFPA 1710
• Due to the arrival time of six minutes, this fire was able to be confined to the lower level of the house which other than smoke damage allowed for all contents within the upper level to be saved
• Remember a fire doubles in size for every minute that passes. Had E1 not been available to respond, this fire would have extended throughout the entire house resulting in a total loss of the structure
• Always remember to operate appliances like washing machines, dryers, dish washer, etc. while you are home and don’t leave them unattended while in use

“Fortunately, all occupants were accounted for as they were alerted to the fire when it began,” officials said. “The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The North Haven Fire Department is thankful for the assistance from the Hamden FD, North Haven PD, UI, SCG, Red Cross, North Haven building department and AMR.”