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According to Bridgeport Fire Deparment Battalion Fire Chief Michael Caldaroni, the department received the call for the fire at the two-and-half-story home right before 5 p.m. Monday on Wilmont Avenue.
Caldaroni said the fire engulfed the second floor and roof of the 100-year-old home that was fueled by breezes.
"Everyone has their windows open and we believe the breeze accelerated the fire, causing an evacuation of firefighters out of the building," he said.
One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital for observation. A resident of the home jumped out of a second-floor window to escape the flames.
Caldaroni said the man refused treatment and did not seem to have suffered any injuries.
A house next door was also damaged by the heat because the houses are so close together, he added.
The American Red Cross is helping three families – eight adults – one child who were displaced by the fire, said Ciara DiVita with the Red Cross.
Red Cross responders included: Alan Burke, Jenn Gillis, Julie Cataniapizighelli, Diahann Phillips, Sana Sarr, Diana Calderon-Torres, Wendy Croker, Bill Brennan, Piush Kumar, and Mike Vincelli.
The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant; shaving supplies and other items a resident might not have been able to gather in the rush to escape the fire.
They will also be working with caseworkers to come with a long-term recovery plan, she added.
Caldaroni said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
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