Man Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In 3-Alarm Fire In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two people were hospitalized after a 3-alarm fire Thursday in West Haven, according to multiple reports.

Crews responded to the fire around 4 p.m. at a multi-family home in the 100 block of Dogburn Road, according to officials.

The New Haven Register reported a man who was found unconscious in a bedroom suffered life-threatening injuries in the fire.

The man had burns to his head and face, and was treated for smoke inhalation, according to NBC Connecticut.

City of West Haven-Allingtown Fire Chief Michael R. Terenzio said the victim was pulled to the outside rear of the structure by firefighters, and received by awaiting fire and EMS personnel.

“Victim was unresponsive and showing signs of breathing distress, as EMS personnel immediately began successful resuscitation and transported to Emergency Department for further interventions,” Terenzio wrote in a news release. “While the rescue was in progress, additional alarms were struck to bring in additional resources to address the report of an additional victim still inside, with resources also committed to extinguishment. New Haven and Milford fire departments responded to provide coverage to the city as all city units were committed to this fire.”

The Register reported that a woman was found outside the home with burn injuries and smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Additional crews continued to work in locating hidden fire to perform a complete extinguishment, according to Terenzio. While crews were operating, Terenzio said additional command staff arrived at the scene and provided support functions.

Additional personnel from the Allingtown Volunteer Fire Association also responded and assigned additional support operations, according to Terenzio.

“This fire was a text book example of cooperative team efforts by highly trained and devoted professional personnel, that when summoned to emergencies of all kinds are effective in protecting the public,” Terenzio wrote. “Responding personnel energies resulted in the locating, removal, and revival of a fire victim, and quick extinguishment and control of a well involved fire, with positive outcomes.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the combined Fire Marshal offices and Connecticut State Police, according to Terenzio.

Six people were displaced from the multi-family home, according to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross is helping three families – five adults and one child – after the fire. Responders included Susan Shaw, CF Mulberg, Karen Kalanick and April Conquest, according to a news release.

“Red Cross volunteers distributed comfort kits containing personal care supplies such as toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire,” officials wrote in the release. “Additionally, the Red Cross provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup, notification of important contacts, handling damaged items and more.”