Firefighter Dies After Battling 2-Alarm Blaze In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A 22-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department died Monday while battling a residential fire in the 100 block of Quinnipiac Avenue, according to media reports.

Matthias Wirtz, 46, was battling the 1 a.m. blaze Monday. Four units were damaged during the blaze and 13 people were displaced, WTNH News 8 reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hearst CT reported that Wirtz did call for a "mayday" while battling the 2-alarm fire. Firefighters described Wirtz as "everybody's friend," Hearst CT reported.

He was found unconscious outside the building and life-saving measures were begun immediately, Hearst reported. He is survived by a wife and mother, Hearst reported. He had responded to the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The North Haven Police Department said, "It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of North Haven firefighter Matthias Wirtz, who died in the line of duty this morning, December 26th, 2022.

"Firefighter Wirtz and his brother firemen responded to a multi-alarm fire at 27 Quinnipiac Avenue, where over a dozen people have been displaced. Wirtz became distressed while battling the fire, and was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he later died. We ask our community pray for Wirtz’s family and his extended firefighter family, who are grieving this tragic loss. At a time when family comes together for celebration, our brave firemen are now grieving the loss of one of their own. We ask that the media be mindful of the family’s privacy, and direct all inquiries to Fire Headquarters. Lastly, we wish to thank the North Haven Fire Department for their bravery and courage, sacrificing themselves so others may live," North Haven Police said.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of Wirtz, who died in the line of duty this morning while responding to a residential fire.

“The passing of North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz is heartbreaking, and we honor his bravery and courage in responding early this morning to a multi-alarm residential fire, where over a dozen people have become displaced,” Lamont said. “This is particularly upsetting as it comes at a time of year when families and friends are gathering to celebrate the holiday season. His passing is a painful reminder that first responders work every single day of the year, 24 hours a day, and often miss holidays with their families in order to protect the people of our state. My heart is with his family, friends, and colleagues in the North Haven Fire Department.”

North Haven legislators State Sen. Paul Cicarella and State Rep. David Yaccarino issued the following statement on Wirtz's death.

“Our sincere condolences to the Wirtz family, friends and the North Haven Fire Department as we mourn this tragic loss. Firefighter Wirtz was a respected veteran of the North Haven Fire Department, serving our town for 22 years. His sacrifices for the community embody the commitment to service by our emergency workers. Firefighters and first responders put the welfare of others ahead of their own every single day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the North Haven community and all first responders at this difficult time.”

The American Red Cross said two families – seven adults – three children were displaced after the Quinnipiac Avenue fire in North Haven.

On Facebook, the Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums wrote, "The CT Firefighters Pipes and Drums is saddened by the loss of North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz, who died this morning in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, the North Haven Fire Department, and the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, of which he was a Snare Drummer. Rest In Peace."

This is a breaking news story. Check back for more updates.

>>>Read more at WTNH News 8.

>>>Read more at Hearst CT.