By Peter Yankowski
New Haven Register
STAMFORD, Conn. — Fire officials say the occupants of a North Stamford home likely were saved by smoke detectors alerting them to a fire early Wednesday.
The fire at the single-family home on Hardesty Lane first was reported just before 2:05 a.m., Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Kerwin said in a news release.
Crews arrived to find “heavy fire” at the back of the home, with the fire having spread from the first floor to the second floor and attic, he said. Firefighters also encountered thick smoke from the second floor and roof dormers, he said.
Crews entered the building to fight the fire from inside while others began an exterior attack, Kerwin said. Tankers also were sent to the scene because the home is in a rural area, the deputy fire chief said.
The fire was declared under control around 3:10 a.m., Kerwin said. Everyone inside had “safely exited the home, thanks to the timely activation of their working smoke detectors,” he said.
One firefighter was hospitalized for injuries. Kerwin did not specify the cause or severity of the injuries.
“Smoke detectors are our first line of defense in keeping families safe from fire. Today, we saw just how effective they can be in giving occupants precious time to escape safely,” Stamford Fire Chief Robert Morris said in a statement.
“The presence of working smoke detectors in this home made all the difference,” the chief added. “We urge everyone to take a moment today to check theirs. It’s a small step that could save your life.”
Kerwin said the fire marshal’s office was investigating how and where the fire started.
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