CHESTER, Connecticut — Neighbors say they heard screaming and yelling coming from the home at 27 Ridge Road Sunday morning. When they stepped outside, they didn’t expect to see flames shooting out of the home.
"On arrival, it was heavy dark smoke billowing out of the first floor," said Chester Fire Chief James Grzybowski.
The heavy smoke and flames confronted firefighters as they arrived to find a three-story home ablaze. They say some of the people living in the single-family home were standing outside when they arrived shortly after 9:30 am but two others were trapped inside.
"One of the occupants outside attempted to get back inside to rescue those individuals but was unsuccessful," said Sgt. Paul Makuc of the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.
Debris inside the home and fire compromising the stairs slowed firefighters from getting to a family member on the second floor. That person jumped from a window to safety suffering minor injuries.
The other person, Joan Carini, 76, was found on the first floor by rescuers. She was taken to the hospital for injuries but she could not be saved.
"It was difficult for her to get around and it was difficult for her to go upstairs. That’s why she lived on the first floor," said Chester Fire Chief Dick Leighton.
A cat and a dog trapped inside the home also didn’t make it out, but a few other family pets were rescued.
Two of the family members were treated for injuries related to burns and smoke inhalation.
Crews spent some time knocking down hot spots due to the number of objects inside the home.
"Until we get in there and actually dismantle some of the debris, we just don’t know exactly where the fire started," said Makuc.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
This is Connecticut's second deadly fire in as many days. One person died in West Haven Saturday.
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