Dehumidifier Sparks Brookfield House Fire: FD

BROOKFIELD, CT — Firefighters tackled a blaze caused by a dehumidifier in a residence Sunday.

The Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to an address on Black Swan Court for a reported basement fire alarm just before 1 p.m. En route they received two additional calls about a fire at the scene, and upgraded the dispatch to a structure fire, and added Bethel and Stony Hill Fire companies to the response.

First responders reported nothing visible, until they checked around the house and saw smoke from an open window. They then requested a second alarm, bringing in emergency crews from additional companies.

The first firefighters inside the home and through the basement door were met with thick black smoke and heat, according to their report on Facebook.

"Searching with their thermal imaging cameras, they were able to find the fire, a large dehumidifier next to the heating system, and extinguished it with a water can," officials reported.

Firefighters credited the "quick thinking" of the homeowners in securing the basement door, preventing the spread of the fire.

Crews remained on scene to ventilate the structure until approximately 2:40 p.m. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor injury.

The fire is under investigation by the Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office.

On social media, fire officials took the opportunity to remind residents they "should always try and secure doors when there is a fire and the importance of sleeping with doors closed at night. Remember to close before you doze."