Teen Jumps From Window To Escape House Fire, Multiple Families Displaced In Norwalk: FD

NORWALK, CT — Thirteen people were displaced after a fire broke out at a multifamily home in Norwalk on Saturday, according to the Norwalk Fire Department.

In a news release, Chief Edward McCabe said a structure fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. at a 2.5-story multifamily home on Ely Avenue.

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As crews responded to the area, they noticed a significant column of smoke visible from several blocks away, McCabe said.

When crews arrived, they found heavy fire showing from the side and back of the home with smoke pushing from all floors, according to McCabe.

Due to the volume of fire and initial reports of possible trapped occupants, additional crews and resources were called to the area, according to McCabe.

The main body of fire was found in the back of the building, McCabe said.

"Conditions required a second hoseline to immediately back up the initial attack crew, while a third hoseline was advanced through the front entrance to support interior operations," McCabe said in a news release. "Truck 2 and Rescue Company personnel conducted primary search operations while Truck 1 and other companies performed ventilation and coordinated fireground tasks."

Firefighters encountered challenges with the initial hydrant supplying one of the fire engines, however another engine secured a secondary hydrant and supplemented the water supply to support ongoing fire attack operations, McCabe said.

According to McCabe, a 14-year-old girl escaped the building by jumping from a second-floor window before crews arrived.

The teen was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment, and her mother was assisted out of the building by a neighboring resident using a ladder before firefighters arrived, according to McCabe.

Firefighters rescued a dog from the first floor of the home, and a second dog escaped the structure with occupants before crews arrived, according to McCabe.

A total of 13 residents were displaced by the fire, and the American Red Cross is assisting those affected, McCabe said.

Fire companies from Stamford and New Canaan also responded to the area while additional companies from Rowayton, Westport and Fairfield assisted with citywide coverage during the incident, according to McCabe.

Police closed Ely Avenue during the incident, McCabe said.

Two firefighters were evaluated for heat-related exhaustion and one firefighter was taken to Norwalk Hospital for treatment, according to McCabe.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Norwalk Fire Marshal's Office, McCabe said.