Firefighters were called the home at 4 a.m. and were met by heavy smoke upon arrival, Assistant Fire Chief William Dingee said. Crews entered the home through the garage and discovered the fire in the basement, Dingee said.
Firefighters tackling the blaze from within the basement were later ordered to evacuate for fear that the floor above them could collapse, Dingee said. Crews moved to the first floor and attacked the flames from the area the fire had burned through the floor, Dingee said. From there, the fire was extinguished.
Due to the extent of damage, the occupants were unable to remain in their home and were assisted by the Red Cross, Dingee said. The fire also caused some smoke damage to the adjoining residence.
All on-duty Westport firefighters responded to the call. Several crews from Fairfield also assisted, Dingee said, and an engine company from the Norwalk Fire Department covered at Westport Fire Headquarters.
Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe was also at the scene, along with police and EMS officials, Dingee said. A Westport Public Works truck was also dispatched to put sand on the nearby roads, which had become icy from the water, Dingee added.
The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire.
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