Smoke Detectors Played 'Significant Role' In Preventing Major Fire From Breaking Out In Naugatuck: FD

NAUGATUCK, CT — Smoke detectors played "a significant role" in preventing a major fire from breaking out Sunday evening at a Naugatuck apartment building, according to the Naugatuck Fire Department.

In a Facebook post, fire officials said a fire alarm and odor of smoke were reported around 5 p.m. at a four-family building on Hillside Avenue.

When firefighters and police arrived at the building, they found the small fire in an apartment on the second floor of the building, according to fire officials.

One occupant of the building was taken to a hospital by Naugatuck EMS, fire officials said.

The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department and Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 provided station coverage while Naugatuck Fire Police provided traffic control, according to fire officials.

Fire officials also noted while the blaze itself was relatively small, fires in similar types of buildings can spread quickly throughout the structure.

"Fires grow fast and rapidly produce toxic smoke," fire officials wrote on Facebook. "Tonight the smoke detectors alerted the occupants of the other apartments and they called 911, saving valuable time. All occupants, except the occupant of the apartment with the fire, will be able to stay in their home tonight."

Fire officials urged residents to check their smoke detectors and replace them if they are over 10 years old.

"Tonight the smoke detectors played a significant role in alerting the occupants and preventing a major fire from occurring," fire officials wrote on Facebook.

The department's full post can be viewed here.