BRIDGEPORT ---- The number of people left homeless by an early morning fire Sunday in the city's Hollow neighborhood now stands at 18, Red Cross officials said Monday.The blaze, at 331-335 George St., not only destroyed the house with three apartments, but also a detached building in the back that housed two more apartments.
The house next door was also damaged by the intense heat from the fire, melting much if its vinyl siding. That house, however, remained habitable.
Of the 18, three were small children, according to Michael Vincelli of Weston, the Red Cross volunteer handling the George Street case.
"We received the call at about 3:45 a.m. Sunday," he said. "At that time, we found only four people on the scene ---- a husband and wife, and another couple. The others had dispersed."
He said that later Sunday morning the remaining 14 people returned to the scene, seeking help with clothing and food. Most, he said, were able to find housing with friends and family. Two families were put up temporarily at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.
On Monday, the house and the small building in back were boarded up.
None of the residents were injured, but two firefighters were hurt battling the blaze. One received a head injury after falling down a flight of stairs and a fire lieutenant suffered a pulled muscle.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.
Rich Paoletto, the city's director of housing enforcement, said Monday that in all probability the smaller building that was converted into two apartments was an illegal residence.
"We only have a handful of garage-to-apartment conversions in the city, and most of those are in the Brooklawn area (on the West End) in which people live on the second floor," he said. "For him to convert that garage into apartments would require approval from the Zoning Office and the Building Department. He'd also need a certificate of occupancy."
He added that illegal apartments are an increasing problem in Bridgeport and elsewhere. "In this economy, people are renting out everything," he said.
The owners are listed in city records as Jose and Juan Lopez, who, according to Vincelli, were among those left homeless. They purchased the home in 2003 for $240,000.
Seven engine companies and three ladder trucks were dispatched to the fire.
It's believed that none of the tenants had renters' insurance, said, Dianne Auger, CEO at the American Red Cross, Charter Oak Chapter.
Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross chapter at P.O. Box 5003, Hartford, CT 06102-5003.