Westport CT Fire Department Latest News

December 15 2009....at 9:21 this evening the Westport Fire Department with State Police and Westport EMS responded to a reported car into a tree on the Merritt Parkway, northbound exit 42-44, approximately 1 mile north of the Weston Road on ramp . Upon arrival units found a car into a tree, with heavy front end damage and the driver still inside the vehicle. Firefighters packaged the patient and assisted EMS with removal of the driver on to a backboard for transport to Norwalk Hospital with injuries. Firefighters remained on scene with State Police until the vehicle was removed by the towing company. State Police attributed this accident to an ancillary GPS device falling from the windshield which the driver was trying to retrieve while operating the vehicle. The last Fire Department unit left the scene at 9:53pm.

MVA I95 NB 16-17

December 10 2009....at approximately 5:27pm Westport firefighters responded to a multiple vehicle accident on Interstate 95 northbound between exits 16 and 17. Initial reports suggested approximately eight patients involved. Westport units arrived and found a two car accident with significant front end damage to one car and six people requiring attention. Fortunately all occupants did not appear to be seriously injured although three patients were transported to hospital by Westport EMS. Fire department units remained on scene until the vehicles were removed from the highway. The last fire department unit cleared the scene at 6.22pm.

FATAL STRUCTURE FIRE - MUTUAL AID TO FAIRFIELD

December 8 2009....at approximately 11:55pm Westport firefighters responded to a call for assistance from Fairfield Fire Department to help battle a blaze at Quincy Condominiums on Hulls Highway. Westport responded with 8 on-duty personnel with the tower ladder, one engine and the shift commanders car. The chief, deputy chief and fire marshal also responded from home to the scene. Bridgeport Fire Department also sent multiple units and personnel to the scene. Approximately 50 firefighters battled the blaze. Responding firefighters found heavy fire from two of the condominium units and with an aggressive attack managed to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent units. The main body of fire was extinguished within 20 - 30 minutes but fire fighters were kept busy for many hours pulling walls and ceilings looking for hidden pockets of fire. Some residents were evacuated from the building to Fairfield Ludlowe High School. One Bridgeport firefighter received minor injuries after falling from a balcony. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

MVA ROLLOVER I95 NB 17-18

November 29 2009....at 4:03 PM today, Westport firefighters responded to a single vehicle rollover on I 95 northbound, between Exits 17 & 18. Arriving firefighters found a 2007 Toyota Yaris that had knocked over a utility pole on the shoulder and rolled over, eventually righting itself before coming to a stop in the breakdown lane. After the accident occurred, a crew from Nelson Ambulance service stopped in the southbound breakdown lane and crossed over to treat the patient, who had exited the vehicle. CT State Police were also on scene prior to the arrival of Westport Fire units. The patient was collared and boarded by the crew from Nelson Ambulance and then transported to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS. The right lane was shut down by CT State Police for the duration of the incident. The extent of the driver’s injuries are not known. Westport Firefighters remained on the scene until 4:40 PM when the vehicle was towed. CT State Police reopened the right travel lane at that time.

STRUCTURE FIRE

November 9th 2009....at approximately 0655 this morning Westport Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a home on Richmondville Avenue. Upon arrival at the one story ranch, firefighters encountered a moderate amount of smoke coming from the rear and attic area of the house. Initial investigation revealed an outside deck fire that had burned through an exterior wall, extended to the interior, and started to extend into the attic space. Westport firefighters quickly extinguished and contained the fire preventing it from engulfing the attic of the home. Due to Westport Firefighters assisting the Fairfield Fire Department with a Tanker Fire on I-95, Wilton Firefighters were summoned to the scene for assistance and Norwalk Fire Department stood-by at Westport Fire Headquarters. The occupant of the residence was alerted to the fire by an operating smoke detector, that smoke detector can be credited for preventing a more serious fire or tragedy.

METHANOL TANKER FIRE ON I95

November 9th 2009....at approximately 0445 Fairfield County Hazmat units responded to assist Fairfield Fire Department with a tanker fire on I 95 between exits 19 and 21.

ROLLOVER ON KINGS HIGHWAY NORTH

November 1st 2009....at approximately 1245 this afternoon, the Westport Fire Department responded to a report of a rollover at the intersection of Post Road West and Kings Highway North. Responding units found a late model Toyota Camry Hybrid on its side with the driver still inside the vehicle. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and assisted the occupant out of the vehicle. The driver refused transport to the hospital.

MVA ON I95

October 31 2009....at 09:59 today, the Westport Fire Department responded to a single vehicle accident with injuries on I-95 northbound, between exits 17 & 18. As responding firefighters arrived, CT State Troopers were helping the occupants out of the vehicle, which had careened off the Jersey barrier. Two of the three occupants were treated for facial injuries by Westport Firefighters and Westport EMS and were taken to Norwalk Hospital for further evaluation. Firefighters cleaned up spilled fluids from the roadway and prepared the vehicle for towing. The CT State Police are in charge of the investigation. The last Westport Fire unit left the scene at 10:34 AM.

TRENCH RESCUE TRAINING

October 19 2009....Westport Fire Department started an 8 day training program to train our firefighters how to rescue trapped victims from collapsed construction trenches. The two day training class in Trench Rescue level 1 Operations will be provided to all four shifts. This equipment is used to protect the victim(s) and responders against a secondary collapse of the trench during rescue operations. S.T.A.R.T. Rescue Training, Inc. of Trumbauersville, PA is providing the instruction. The practical skills exercises are being performed on the grounds of Sherwood Island State Park and several park employees are attending the training as well. Trench rescue is the third specialized technical rescue training class the department has trained in over the last three years. Confined Space Rescue and Vehicle / Machinery Extrication have been completed previously by all shift personnel.

MERRITT PARKWAY ROLLOVER

October 3 2009....at 05:54 the Westport Fire Department responded with Norwalk Fire, Westport EMS and State Police to a reported one vehicle accident with rollover on the Merritt Parkway southbound between exits 41 and 40. Upon arrival responders found a Ford E-250 that had struck a large tree on the front passenger side, taken down the guardrail and landed against another tree off the road. The driver of the vehicle was able to climb out of the driver’s side door and get out without assistance. Westport EMS evaluated and transported the driver to Norwalk Hospital with minor injuries. Westport Fire units stood by for removal of the vehicle requiring a tow truck and flat bed from Riverside Service Center due to the vehicles position off of the roadway. The Parkway had to be closed for approximately 20 min. southbound during the vehicle removal operation. All units cleared the scene at 6:40 AM.

MVA WITH INJURIES - ROLLOVER

Sept 27 2009....at 11:16 PM the Westport Fire Department responded to a single car motor vehicle accident with injuries on Imperial Ave. at the intersection with Harborview Road. Upon arrival, Westport PD units had helped the driver out of her late model Chevy Equinox which had veered off the roadway, struck a tree head on and ended up on its side. She was taken to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS. Multiple airbag deployment was a factor in her injuries not being too serious. Firefighters worked to help the tow truck operator to remove the vehicle. The last Westport Fire unit left the scene at 11:47 PM.

DOUBLE MVA'S WITH INJURIES ON I95

Sept 27 2009....at 1:17 PM today the Westport Fire Department responded to a reported multi vehicle w/ injuries on I 95 southbound, between exits 18 & 17. Arriving firefighters came upon a two vehicle accident prior to the Saugatuck Bridge. At the same time CT State Police advised that a four vehicle accident w/ injuries also occurred southbound on the Saugatuck Bridge. Additional fire units were directed to the second call. The first accident involved two passenger vehicles. There was moderate damage to the vehicles, a fluids spill, but minor injuries to the drivers. Westport EMS evaluated the drivers and they refused transport to Norwalk Hospital. The second accident involved four passenger vehicles and one significant injury to a passenger. He was evaluated by Westport Firefighters and transported to Bridgeport Hospital by Westport EMS. Firefighters worked to clear the scene of debris. All Westport fire units were cleared at 2:07 PM.

BARBECUE FESTIVAL COOKOFF

Sept 26 2009....the Westport Downtown Merchants Association’s “Blues Views & BBQ Festival” is taking place this weekend at the Levitt Pavillion. The 2^nd annual event features a professional and amateur cook off competition. This year the Westport Fire Department has entered a team in the “Amateur Backyard BBQ” competition. LT Mike Kronick, FF Ben Racho and FF Dan Ambruso will be using their culinary skills by preparing smoked chicken and ribs for the event. The “smoker” that they will be using was homemade especially for this event. All proceeds from the entry fees will go to the Connecticut Food Bank. Prizes and trophies will be awarded.

STRUCTURE FIRE

Sept 20 2009.... at 8:54 pm Westport Fire Department received a 911 call for a structure fire and a call from the alarm company reporting a fire alarm activation at the same address. Four fire engines, the ladder truck, and the shift commander initially responded from Westport as well as a Tanker Truck from Wilton on an automatic mutual aid agreement for that area. The first unit arrived 6 minutes later and found flames coming out of one window in the center portion of the house. After verifying all occupants were out of the house, a hose line was stretched to attack the fire. Westport Police units on scene assisted in rescuing a dog from the structure that insisted on re entering the house. He was subsequently tied to a tree to prevent him from going back inside. After the main body of fire was knocked down it was quickly learned that the fire had extended into both attics on opposite sides of the main body of fire. A ladder truck was requested from the City of Norwalk to help fight the stubborn blaze. An engine company from Fairfield and Norwalk were also called to cover Fire Headquarters. The fire was declared under control at 10:27 pm. A total of 35 Fire Department personnel fought the fire which significantly damaged the structure. Red Cross personnel were on scene to assist with firefighter rehab as well as to offer assistance to the occupants. Fire department units cleared the scene at 1:00am with Fire Marshal staff remaining on scene continuing with the fire investigation. At this time the cause remains under investigation.

BOAT FIRE AT LONGSHORE

Sept 18 2009.... at approximately 12:16 today the Fire Department responded to a boat on fire at 260 Compo Road South, Longshore Country Club. Initial reports from the scene indicated the fire to be at a dock at Ned Dimes Marina and dispatch assigned 3 engines, a ladder truck and chiefs car to the call, accompanied by an Inspector from the Fire Marshal's office and the Assistant Chief of Training. Subsequent reports indicated that the fire was actually at the Sailing School, verified by first arriving units. A small 16 foot inflatable Zodiac boat had caught fire and the fire was extinguished prior to units arriving on scene. Fire units cleared the scene at 1240.

ELECTRICAL SERVICE FIRE ON BUILDING

Sept 18.... at 7:43 AM today, the Westport Fire Department responded to a reported electrical fire at 72 Compo Rd. North. Arriving firefighters saw smoke coming from the right side of the structure as they were met by the homeowners. They stated that they had heard a loud series of explosions and saw fire coming from the house electrical service on the outside wall of the home with smoke filling the basement. Firefighters immediately shut down the main electrical panel and stretched a hose line to the front door. Using thermal imaging cameras, they checked the interiors wall for indications of fire. Northeast Utilities was immediately called to the scene to shut down the outside electrical feed as the fire started in the outside electrical service panel. Firefighters used positive pressure fans to remove the smoke from the structure. The fire was contained to the service panel. Northeast Utilities workers opened up the panel and there was extensive fire damage to the interior of the panel. The siding behind the area was charred, but did not extend into the structure. The entire electrical panel will need to be replaced. The last fire department unit left the scene at 8:56 AM. The Westport Fire Marshal’s office is in charge of the investigation.

CAR INTO BUILDING

Sept 13....at approximately 4pm, dispatch alerted the Fire Department to a report of a vehicle into a building at 1767 Post Road East. Arriving firefighters found a Honda Accord into the storefront of the Christian Science Reading Room. There were occupants in the space at the time of the crash, but they and the driver of the vehicle were unharmed. Firefighters checked all occupants for injuries and also checked the building for structural damage. A member of the building official’s office was called to the scene to evaluate the damage. The driver of the vehicle, a Westport woman, stated that she was driving on the Post Rd. looking for the Christian Science Reading Room and turned quickly to park in front of the store. She hit the curb at the roadway and the vehicle jumped forward and crashed into the building, breaking all the storefront glass and framework. The vehicle ended up approximately ten feet into the store. Several people were inside the store at the time of the incident. Firefighters remained on the scene until a contractor arrived to board up the building and the vehicle was towed. Westport Police are in charge of the investigation. The last Fire Department unit left the scene at 5:48 PM.

MULTIPLE MVA'S I95 EXITS 17 - 18

Sept 4....Westport Fire Department responded to multiple vehicle accidents with injuries on I95 North between Exit 17 and 18 within hours of each other early Friday morning. The first accident occurred at 0049 hrs between a Ford Explorer and a Chevrolet Malibu. A passenger in the Ford Explorer was treated at the scene for neck and back pain and transported to the hospital by Westport E.M.S. for further evaluation. A second accident occurred at 0208 hrs between a Mitsubishi Galant and a tractor trailer. The impact sheared the roof off of the Mitsubishi. The sole occupant of the car, the driver, walked away from the vehicle with apparent minor injuries. He was also transported to the hospital by Westport E.M.S. for further evaluation. The Westport Fire Department responded to both accidents with a Command Car, Rescue and Engine Company. The last Fire Department unit left the second accident at 0325 hrs. The Mitsubishi and Tractor trailer both had to be towed from the scene.

FATAL MVA I95 AT EXIT 17

September 2....at 01:14 am the Westport Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries on I-95 northbound just north of the exit 17 on ramp. Engine 4 out of Saugatuck, Rescue 3 from Fire Headquarters and the shift commander’s vehicle responded along with State and Westport Police to find a car that had rear ended a trailer truck carrying bluestone slabs and then crashed into the guardrail on the right side of the highway. The occupant was trapped in the vehicle with heavy damage to the front and drivers side. An assessment of the driver found no signs of life and severe trauma. All three northbound lanes were closed for approximately 30 min and one single lane for the duration of the incident. The state police requested that the fire department standby and assist with lighting of the scene for their investigation. After the State Medical Examiner pronounced the victim, firefighters used the “jaws of life” to remove the victim from the wreckage. Firefighters remained on scene for the duration of the accident investigation and the last unit left the scene at 4:56am.

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