Good Samaritans Rescue Baltic Fire Victims; Community Rallies To Help: FD

BALTIC, CT — Good Samaritans are being credited with helping to rescue people during a Friday night fire that destroyed a West Main Street building.

Firefighters responded Friday around 7:05 p.m. to the fire at 133 West Main St., according to Baltic Fire Engine Co. #1.

Within minutes of dispatch, Fire Chief Bob Tardif arrived on scene to find a well-involved structure fire, according to a department Facebook post.

Firefighters remained on scene putting the fire out and then checking for hot spots until early Saturday.

The state Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Two children and one adult were transported for treatment of minor injuries.

“We would like to give thanks to the Good Samaritans who worked to help get (two) children in the structure to safety,” firefighters said, in the Facebook post.

According to WFSB, a passerby, Bruce Hodges, a retired Marine, was driving by and saw the flames and stopped to help, and a neighbor fetched a ladder, to help people escape.

According to the fire department, neither the homeowner nor renters had insurance due to the age of the building.

The department is hosting a donation drive at its station, at 22 Bushnell Hollow Rd., to help those impacted by the fire.

The department will be accepting donations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight, with “any and all donations acceptable.” Clothing and shoe sizes for the impacted residents are listed on the department’s Facebook page.

“As a community we would like to come together to donate to these families during such a devastating time,” the department said.