Crews Battle ‘Significant’ Back-To-Back 2-Alarm Fires In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — Firefighters battled two “significant” back-to-back 2-alarm fires Sunday morning in West Haven, according to fire officials.

Crews responded to the first alarm around 8:55 a.m. on the report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Hemlock Street.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions, coming from the top floor of an occupied one-and-a-half story residential structure prompting an “immediate upgrade to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene,” according to a news release from City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio.

“When a fire breaks out early on a Sunday morning, the chances are higher that people are still home and potentially asleep, making rescue efforts more critical,” the news release states. “It is a scenario that demands a swift and well-coordinated response from arriving fire units.”

Initial arriving units on Engine 3, and Truck company 1 of the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown worked “aggressively to contain the blaze, which had already taken hold of the top floor of the residence,” according to the news release.

“Back up operations were provided further by West Haven Center Fire District Engine 25, who later reported that the fire on the second floor was ‘rolling’ over the heads of the initial attack crew, this fact highlights the importance of backup and coordinated efforts in firefighting,” the news release states. “Thanks to an aggressive and effective fire attack, the fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes after it was initially reported.”

A family of four adults was displaced by the fire, according to the American Red Cross.

While crews were still operating at the scene of the first fire, a second alarm was triggered around 10:45 a.m. for another reported structure fire in the 200 block of Dogburn Road, a large industrial complex that deals with plastics, according to officials.

The second fire involved a manufacturing industrial machine and associated 40-foot-long conveyor equipment, officials said.

“This fire became hot enough to activate the building sprinkler system and associated alarm which alerted the city’s 911 center,” according to the news release. “Attack crews entering the building encountered a well-involved fire within a large manufacturing and processing machine. Initial crews faced significant smoke and high heat conditions. Fire suppression efforts were further supported by supplementing the sprinkler system, water supply from hydrants, and extensive ventilation to mitigate the heavy smoke. The sprinkler system effectively contained the fire until fire department personnel gained access and completed extinguishment.

“These back-to-back incidents stretched the department's resources, requiring a coordinated effort to manage both emergencies simultaneously. With all West Haven fire personnel committed to two simultaneous second-alarm fires, neighboring fire departments promptly answered the call for mutual aid, ensuring uninterrupted coverage for the rest of the city. This clearly demonstrates the strong and effective regional partnerships in place.”

Terenzio said Sunday’s events “underscore the unpredictable nature of emergency response and the dedication of our firefighters.”

“Our career and volunteer members, alongside our mutual aid partners, demonstrated exceptional professionalism and teamwork in tackling these challenging incidents,” Terenzio said. “I am grateful for their swift and decisive actions."

The city's emergency services were “really put to the test having to deal with two significant 2-alarm incidents in a relatively short period, and highlights the capacity and readiness of our combined resources,” according to Terenzio. “Our preparedness allowed us to handle situations beyond the typical day-to-day occurrences.”

The cause of both fires is being investigated by the combined agencies of the City of West Haven FD, Allingtown, West Haven Fire Department Center District, and the West Shore Fire District, Fire Marshal's Offices, according to Terenzio.

No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported.

“The CoWHFD would like to remind residents of the importance of working smoke detectors, portable fire extinguishers and having a home fire escape plan,” the news release states. “Residents who have difficulty in acquiring smoke detection can call their respective fire stations and request assistance, if certain criteria are applicable, in obtaining and installing these life-saving devices.

“These simple steps can significantly increase your chances of survival in the event of a fire.”