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Firefighters responded to a reported lightning strike to a home on Richlee Road, Monday, Aug. 19 at 4:50 p.m., said the fire department.
While responding, the call was upgraded to a working structure fire, with the occupant leaving the home with his two dogs, according to Norwalk Fire.
When responders arrived at the split-level ranch-style home, the rear corner was heavily engulfed and had worked its way into the interior of the home, the fire department said.
Firefighters gained entry through the front door to fight the fire that had engulfed the kitchen, dining room and living room, according to Norwalk Fire.
At the same time, firefighters contended with a 120-gallon propane tank against the rear of the home, that was blowing off pressure with a 40-foot fireball, said the fire department.
The fire crews cooled the tank to prevent a failure until the contents were completely expelled through the relief valve, according to the Norwalk Fire Department.
One firefighter was injured when sections of the ceiling fell on him knocking him temporarily unconscious, said Norwalk Fire.
Firefighters that were in the immediate area helped remove the firefighter out of the home.
He was later transported to Norwalk Hospital by paramedics that responded on the scene, according to the fire department.
The firefighter was undergoing tests and was in good spirits, at Norwalk Hospital, said Norwalk Fire.
The fire was placed under control at 5:25 pm with firefighters leaving the scene by 7 p.m.
The Red Cross responded and made arrangements for the two adult occupants of the home, along with their two dogs and cat that was found by firefighters in a downstairs laundry room unharmed, according to the Norwalk Fire Department.
The house was posted unfit for occupancy and the cause of the blaze is being investigated, said the fire department.
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