Animals Rescued From Fire At Earthplace In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Several animals were rescued early Friday from a fire at Earthplace on Woodside Lane in Westport, according to fire officials.

The animals were located in first floor rooms at the nature center near where the blaze was discovered, and firefighters relocated them to safety.

Westport Firefighters were dispatched to the scene by 5:55 a.m. fire alarm at the facility, and upon arrival, fire personnel encountered locked entry gates and had to walk up to the building to investigate the cause of the alarm.

"While conducting a [360-degree inspection] of the building, Engine 2 found smoke coming from a room on the 1st floor at the rear of the building," wrote Assistant Fire Chief Brian Meadows in a statement. "The incident was upgraded to a working fire bringing two additional Westport Engines."

Fire crews from Engine 2, Engine 4 and Truck 1 deployed a 500-foot attack line, and forced their way into the facility to extinguish the blaze. That's where firefighters found the animals and brought them to safety.

"Additional arriving Companies assisted with ventilation and checking for extension. The fire damage was limited to the room of origin and an adjoining room," according to Meadows.

The blaze and rescue tied up all Westport fire personnel, which required firefighters from Norwalk and Fairfield to provide mutual aid.

"[Utility company] Eversource responded to the scene as well as the Westport Fire Marshal’s office to investigate the cause of the fire," added Meadows.

The damaged area was secured "and turned over to the property owners for repairs."

Photo credit: Westport Fire Department