Maria Charbommier, 34, was released later in the day after treatment, a hospital spokesman said.

Flames were shooting from the eaves of the apartment building at 217-219 Helen St. when firefighters arrived about 12:15 p.m., said Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Porzelt.

One of Charbommier's relatives told firefighters she was still inside the burning structure.

"My aide, Lt. Glenn Christie, and I rushed into the building and kicked in three doors looking for her, as brown, heavy smoke poured from the building," Porzelt said.

"After firefighters with air packs entered, we left the building and found she had been outside all the time."

Porzelt said he was relieved to discover the woman, who has asthma, was safe.

Meanwhile, Charbommier's husband, Israel Rodriquez, 43, and their son, Angel Rodriquez, 14, escaped the fire, along with their neighbors, Zenaida Torres, 29, and John Terea, 28, who live in another apartment.

In all, the Southeastern Fairfield County chapter of the American Red Cross helped find temporary lodging for eight people displaced by the fire.

Diane Auger, executive director of the Red Cross chapter, said the fire underscores the agency's need for monetary donations to replenish its Disaster Relief Fund.

The fund has been depleted by the assistance given to recent flooding and fire victims.

Porzelt said fire investigators are working to determine what caused the fire, which ignited on the third floor.

The building was being renovated to create one more apartment in the four-unit dwelling, he said.

"The fire did not appear to be arson, because the door to the third floor was locked and bolted," the assistant chief said.

Though the roof and the third floor were heavily damaged, Porzelt said the structure can be repaired.

Donations for the Red Cross disaster-relief fund may be sent to the American Red Cross of Southeastern Fairfield County, 158 Brooklawn Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604. Checks should be marked "Disaster Relief Fund."