MERIDEN, Conn. — Broad Street and Bunker Avenue in Meriden were closed Saturday afternoon after an explosive fire required the response of crews from across the city and neighboring towns. Firefighters used a ground ladder to pull a person from the third floor of the multi-family home. But the whole situation could have been a lot worse if not for the help of two good Samaritans.
A boy who was rescued from the fire is being treated at Jacobi Hospital in New York City. The extent of his injuries are not known.
Four firefighters were treated for injuries from the fire.
Meriden Fire Marshal, John Yacovino, said Monday, “The cause of the fire remains under investigation. At this point, we do not believe any criminal activity is involved.”
Plumbers James Sadlowski and Dylan Saradeth happened to be turning the corner just before 4 p.m. on Saturday when they saw a porch engulfed in flames and used their tools to break in and rescue a family inside.
“When we first broke in they actually thought we were breaking into the home. They didn’t know the fire was happening," said Saradeth. “The mom said, you know, my son is upstairs.”
The pair helped a mother and children escape but realized someone was left inside on the top floor. However, conditions grew too dangerous.
“At that point, the whole second floor was already encased, full of black smoke. The whole living room, which was a couple of feet away was already halfway on fire," Saradeth said.
The home was one building away from a firehouse. Crews were able to respond within minutes and pull the boy out using a ground ladder. There were 12 calls to 9-1-1.
“There were reports of some explosions possible of some propane tanks. It took off on the first floor and got up on the second floor really quick," said Meriden Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Dunn.
Dunn said Sunday morning the male victim, who was discovered unconscious on the third floor of the burning structure, remains in critical, but stable condition at Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, NY, where he is receiving hyperbaric treatment.
"They did a great job," Dunn said of the good Samaritans. "A lot of credit to them for that. And there were reports of a person on the number three floor.”
Officials said three Meriden firefighters were transported to local hospitals for various injuries, including burns, cardiac issues, and smoke inhalation. An additional firefighter was sent to Bridgeport Hospital to be treated for burns to his head and ears. The two firefighters, who sustained burns, have been released from the hospital but will require further treatment from specialists.
The firefighters who were here tonight, they gave it their all. They went above and beyond. They always but I can’t say enough about them tonight," Dunn added.
The good Samaritans told FOX61 the boy was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital and they believe he will be ok, however, authorities were not able to give an update about his condition other than saying he was unconscious when pulled from the home.
It took crews about an hour to knock out the flames. The cause is under investigation.
Samaia Hernandez is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at shernandez@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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