Firefighters Extinguish Roof Fire At Norwalk Condos: FD

NORWALK, CT — Over 30 firefighters responded to a reported chimney fire Wednesday afternoon at the Rowayton Woods Condominiums off Highland Avenue in Norwalk. According to a press release, crews responded to the area at 4:20 p.m.

Deputy Chief Edward Prescott said heavy flames had already penetrated through the roof of a condo upon firefighters' arrival. The fire originated in the area of the fireplace on the first floor and extended up the three-story framed chimney flue to the roof, Prescott said.

"The owner of the unit was home and had a fire going in the fireplace," Prescott said in a release. "When he noticed smoke pushing from under the fireplace enclosure, he called 911 and met firefighters as we arrived."

According to Prescott, firefighters inside worked quickly to open up and extinguish the fire within the wall as crews outside put up both aerial and ladder trucks to control the spreading roof fire.

" The fire had already entered the framed chimney above the roof and was extending across the roof towards a dormered loft," Prescott said. "The roof fire also threatened a neighboring unit and roof embers were smoldering on the two rear wood decks. Fortunately, a cement block fire wall between units inside prevented the fire from extending into the neighboring unit and aggressive roof work controlled the roof fire."

Prescott said 33 firefighters responded to the incident while Westport and New Canaan Fire and Rowayton Engines covered the city until the Norwalk firefighters could return to service. Fire Inspector Corey Gilchrist and Inspector Jesse Granton are investigating the cause of the blaze.