Space Heater Sparks Fire, Displaces Family In Hamden: Officials

HAMDEN, CT — A fire that started from a space heater in a bedroom sent one person to the hospital, and displaced a family from their home Wednesday in Hamden, according to officials.

Crews responded to the 400 block of Shelton Avenue at 4:32 p.m. on the report of a fire.

Officials said Engine 2 arrived at 4:35 p.m. and found heavy fire coming from a first-floor window in the back of the house.

“Engine 2 stretched a line while a Rescue crew began a search of the house to ensure that all occupants had safely evacuated,” officials wrote in a news release. “Engine 2 was able to quickly extinguish the blaze and contained the fire to a first-floor bedroom with partial extension to an adjacent room.”

Family members were home on the second floor and were alerted by smoke detectors sounding on the first floor, according to officials.

Officials said the family quickly went down a smoke-filled stairwell and exited the home safely.

One resident was hospitalized for evaluation due to smoke inhalation, according to officials.

“Eight members of the family were offered assistance and accommodations by the American Red Cross,” officials wrote. “The house is temporarily uninhabitable due to disconnected utilities and smoke damage throughout the home. The Cheshire, New Haven and North Haven Fire Departments provided station coverage in Hamden while Hamden firefighters battled the blaze.”

The Hamden Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that the fire originated in the rear bedroom on the first floor, according to officials.

“It was the result of a space heater left on in close proximity to a bed and other combustibles,” officials wrote. “The Fire Marshal would like to remind residents to practice fire safety during these cold winter months. This includes safely using space heaters. Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires after cooking fires. Space heaters should be used in accordance to manufacturer specifications, plugged directly into an outlet and placed three feet away from any combustibles. They should be turned off when a room is not occupied. It is also extremely important to have working smoke detectors. Early detection and notification give you and your family the best chance of survival in the event of a fire.”