Child Dies, Firefighter Injured In Middlefield Blaze

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — One person is dead following a house fire in Middlefield early Friday morning, according to a statement from the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company.

The victim in the blaze was a student at John Lyman Elementary School in Middlefield, WTNH News-8 reported.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child in this most difficult time," Superintendent of Regional School District 13 Doug Schuch said in a statement.

Additional counselors will be on hand at the school today to provide support. The district is not releasing the name of the child out of respect for the family, according to WTNH News-8.

Officials with the town of Durham said in a statement that the student was part of their shared school district with Middlefield, and “touched the lives of many in our community.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this unimaginably difficult time,” reads a post on the town’s Facebook page. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as with the friends, teachers, and classmates who are also mourning this profound loss.

“As a community, we stand together in support and remembrance of this precious life. In times like these, let us come together to offer compassion and love to those affected.

“Together, we will honor the memory of this child.

“If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to our local counseling services or school resources.”

Firefighters responded at 1:06 a.m. for a report of a fire at a single-family home on Dwight Drive. Crews encountered heavy fire with the entire front of the home engulfed in flames.

One occupant and a dog made it safely out of the home. However, another occupant was found dead inside the home, according to fire officials.

Additional crews from Durham, Killingworth, Meriden, and Middletown responded as the fire was upgraded to a second alarm.

A firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The firefighter was later released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.