Fairfield firefighters rescued an elderly man from a blaze in his home at Parish Court, an apartment complex for the elderly at 175 Warde Terrace, Thursday night.
At approximately 10:40 p.m., Fairfield firefighters responded to a reported automatic fire alarm at the housing complex. Upon arrival, Asst. Chief Douglas Chavenello saw flames coming from a ground-floor window and heavy smoke enveloping the entire front of Parish Court.
Firefighters entered the building and discovered the occupant unconscious in his kitchen. He was administered first aid for burns and smoke inhalation by fire department units and paramedics from American Medical Response. AMR personnel then transported the man to St. Vincents Medical Center. Fire Chief Richard Felner reported late Friday morning that the victim was later moved to Bridgeport Hospitals Burn Unit, where he is listed in critical condition.
The fire was extinguished by personnel from Engine 2 and Ladder 2, with assistance from other fire companies. Some 15 to 20 residents were evacuated from the complex, but were allowed to return late Thursday evening, fire officials said.
We were lucky the alarm went off and gave us quick notification of the fire, Chavenello said.
The fire is under investigation by Fairfield Fire Marshal Bill Kessler. The Bridgeport fire department dispatched a Ladder and Engine company to Fairfield, in the event other calls came in.
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