Christmas Presents Saved From House Fire, 2 People, Pets Displaced: Hamden FD

HAMDEN, CT — Two people and their two pets were displaced by a house fire early Tuesday morning in Hamden, however many of their Christmas presents and personal items were saved, according to fire officials.

In a news release, Fire Chief Jeffrey Naples said the department received a report of a structure fire on Dorrance Street around 2:30 a.m.

When crews arrived, they found heavy fire coming from an attached screened-in porch in back of the single-family home, Naples said.

While attacking the blaze and initiating a search and rescue, crews encountered heavy smoke and
fire impinging on the back rooms of the home, according to Naples.

"With quick response times and coordinated fire attack, we were able to confine the fire to the rear first floor of the home," Naples said in a release, "protecting personal property and salvaging many Christmas presents and personal items during this holiday season."

All residents were found safely outside the home. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported, Naples said.

Two residents and their pets, a cat and a dog, were displaced due to smoke and fire damage to the home, according to Naples. The American Red Cross is provided assistance to them.

The Hamden Fire Marshal's Division is investigating the origin and cause of the fire.

"We would like to remind all residents to remain vigilant of fire safety during the holiday season," Naples said.

Photos of the house fire can be viewed on the Hamden Fire Department's Facebook page.