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“These could easily have resulted in fatalities,” said Bill Kessler, fire marshal.
At 9:02 a.m. Sunday, the Fairfield Fire Department received a report of a possible malfunctioning CO detector in a condominium unit at 29 Balmaha Close in the Woodfield Village Complex.
Upon arrival, firefighters from Engine 3 recorded carbon monoxide readings of 140 parts per million in the unit, along with measurable readings in two neighboring units. One resident was transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport for monitoring and treatment.
“That resident stated that his CO alarm had gone off in the night, but he’d disconnected the battery assuming that it had malfunctioned,” said Kessler. “In fact, it had accurately detected high levels of carbon monoxide.”
At 12:23 a.m. Monday, the Fairfield Fire department was dispatched to a reported basement fire at 219 Roseville Terrace.
Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood confirmed a working fire and called for the fifth engine along with mutual aid to Fire Headquarters and Station 2 from Westport and Bridgeport Fire Departments.
“With all occupants confirmed to be out of the structure, Engine 2 initiated an aggressive interior attack with Engine 3 establishing a positive water supply before joining Ladder 1 on search and ventilation, while Engine 1 stretched a backup line to assist with extinguishment,” said Sherwood.
The fire was controlled within 20 minutes, according to Sherwood.
Kessler and Building Official Tom Conley were conducted a fire investigation shortly after 1 a.m.
Their findings pointed toward conduction of heat from the fireplace to the wooden sillplate below due to improper installation. But Kessler’s primary concern was for the lack of working smoke alarms despite evidence of both hardwired and battery-operated installations.
“One of the residents awoke to the smell of smoke,” said Kessler. “Otherwise, this could have been a tragedy.”
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