Firefighters were called to a three-story condominium complex at 215 Charles Sreet at approximately 6 a.m. after several cars caught fire in a parking area beneath the building. The flames then spread to the building quickly.
“It was all wood frame, stick frame they call it,” said Bridgeport Fire Chief Brian Rooney. “It was all truss construction with wood.”
The only harrowing moments happened when firefighters were forced to rescue at least one elderly resident, trapped in a third-floor apartment, by using an aerial ladder.
Rooney says the fire weakened the structure significantly.
“We are monitoring it. We did just have a building collapse in the back about two minutes ago. But, right now, it seems like it's somewhat stable,” he said.
That meant crews could only take a 'surround and drown' approach.
“We’re not going to go inside that building to jeopardize any of the firefighters,” said Rooney.
One firefighter, treated for an ear injury, returned to the scene. Mayor Joe Ganim surprised one of the displaced residents.
“We are going shopping,” Gamin told a teary eyed Tony DeJesus, 7, who lost everything, including his new iPad.
DeJesus and his two older brothers were brought by the Mayor to a local retailer this afternoon to pick up some essentials and to replace some Christmas gifts that were lost in the fire.
“We've never been through anything like this,” said Vanessa Padilla, the three boys’ mother. “I think the Mayor is a wonderful guy for doing something like that.”
Residents will be temporarily relocated to the Geraldine Johnson Elementary School while permanent housing is found.
“Red Cross is there and our Community Emergency Response Team from the Bridgeport EOC is there,” said Scott Appleby, Director of the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center.
If you would like to assist with clothes, toys or pet food, you are asked to contact the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center at (203) 579-3829. Cash donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, c/o Charles St. Fire, 158 Brooklawn Avenue, Bridgeport, 06604.