TONY SPINELLI
ConnPost Article: 04/20/2008 08:13:01 PM EDT
BRIDGEPORT — The American Red Cross Mid-Fairfield County Chapter Sunday night was assisting 11 persons displaced from their three-family apartment house at 723 Wood Ave. during a morning fire.
The fire was contained and prevented from jumping to other structures, according to Fire Chief Bruce Porzelt of Battalion 1, but the second floor was destroyed and the first and third floors suffered heavy smoke and water damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
"It was only through the skill of our men that the fire was contained and prevented from jumping to other structures," Porzelt said in a statement.
Two aerials and a rescue car responded.
The residents included five students who attend the University of Bridgeport. They lived on the second floor, where the blaze apparently started.
A single mother and her 3-year-old child lived on the third floor with a sister. The landlord lived on the first floor.
Working smoke detectors on all floors awoke the residents and enabled them to escape unhurt, Porzelt said.
The Red Cross immediately deployed its Disaster Action Team, Jeannine Quinnones and John Healy, along with Response Manger Tom Lenart, to assist the displaced residents with emergency lodging and determine their needs.
Funds for emergency clothing and food were dispersed.
Finding transitional housing is the next step.
"The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter is always ready to help those displaced by disaster," said Kurt Bassett, executive director. "No one should have to go through a disaster alone, and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated and trained DAT members in our 10 communities to help those in need."
Donations for the Wood Avenue fire should be sent to the Mid-Fairfield County Chapter at 158 Brooklawn Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Tony Spinelli, who covers the region for ConnPost.com, can be reached at 330-6361.