Posted March 29, 2007
Updated 9:20 PM

(Milford - WTNH) A stubborn fire at a beachfront home in Milford kept firefighters busy this afternoon, firefighters fought both the wind and the dangerous conditions inside.

The fire started just before 4:00 PM at the house in the premiere Woodmont section along Beach Avenue.  It was fast and furious, the flames poured out the third floor and threatened to leap across the short space and onto the home next door.
 
"The fireman was at the back door with an axe, said they needed access to the house. I got in, they let me get my dog out and told me to leave the area immediately," said Jackie Lombard, homeowner.

Firefighters tore through Lombard's house trying to get at the fire from the side.

The fire chief said the first two engine companies rushed inside only to evacuate, for fear the roof would collapse.

"The decision was made to make an exterior attack on the fire so we pulled all the firefighters out and at that point," said Fire Chief Cooke.  "The fire really got a good foothold on that third floor and it really looked spectacular."

Curious on-lookers crowded Woodmont beach to watch them battle the blaze and see a small piece of Milford history, go up in smoke. 

The house is a 1930's vintage beach home and while the old style has character it did not prove particularly fire-proof.  The balloon frame of the structure allowed the flames to get in behind the walls and rush all the way to the roof, leaving just a gaping hole and charred remains. 

"There's hoses going through my bedroom slider, out through my bathroom window which I understand completely shattered, the side of the house is all burned and melted, I have a lot of smoke damage," said Lombard.