Westport Firefighters Douse Franklin Street Blaze

WESTPORT, CT - Local firefighters extinguished a porch fire late Tuesday morning on Franklin Street, according to Westport Fire Department Shift Commander John Plofkin, Jr.

No injuries were reported in the 11:24 a.m. fire, which was caused by "discarded smoking materials."

An occupant at the home, located at 35 Franklin St., began trying to put out the fire before fire personnel arrived at the scene, which Plofkin Jr. credits as helping to save the multi-family home from extensive damage.

"Please use the proper receptacles for discarded smoking materials," wrote Plofkin Jr. in a statement, adding that "open burning of any kind is not allowed in the Town of Westport without a permit."

Currently, due to lack of rain and low humidity, the region is in the midst of a “RED FLAG” warning for brush and forest fires, according to the department.

"These conditions coupled with a 10 mph to 20 mph [winds] create an environment for fast spreading fires which can get out of control quickly and cause a conflagration. The Westport Fire Department asks residents to immediately call 911 if they see any kind of fire or smoke, so that an immediate response can be initiated to keep the incident small and under control."

Photos of the fire at 35 Franklin St. via the Westport Fire Department