Attic Fire Guts Ansonia Home

FACEBOOK PHOTO

A photo from the Eagle Hose Hook & Ladder Facebook page showing a fire at an Ansonia home.

ANSONIA — A fire gutted a single-family home on Thomas Street Sunday afternoon.

The house’s owner was home at the time and refused medical treatment at the scene, but may have gone to the hospital afterward, Fire Marshal Darrick Lundeen said Monday.

The people who live at the house — 2 Thomas St. — are staying with family for the time being, the fire marshal said.

Lundeen said he believes the fire was accidental but has not yet confirmed the cause.

The blaze was first reported about 4 p.m.

“It originated between the second floor and the attic and got up into the attic,” Lundeen said.

About 30 firefighters from Ansonia and Derby responded.

The location of the fire, along with the home’s construction and age, made it difficult to snuff out.

“It was in the attic, it was in some concealed spaces,” Lundeen said. ​“They were trying to get to it and visibility was reduced because of the smoke until they got the roof opened.”

At one point the flames became so heavy the house was evacuated.

“They had quite a bit of fire in the attic and command pulled them out to use the ladder truck to hit with their master stream to knock it down some, and then they went back in,” Lundeen said.

The blaze was under control in about 45 minutes.

The house suffered significant fire damage in the attic, as well as water damage to the floors below.

Article continues after Facebook post from Valley Aerial Optics.

Lundeen said it will be up to the insurance company whether to knock it down or try to salvage the structure.

The fire marshal said investigators believe they know how specifically the fire began, but have not yet confirmed it.

“We have an idea of the cause but we’re not ready to announce that yet,” he said. ​“But it’s most likely an accidental cause.”

According to city land records, the house is owned by Daniel Jones and Robin Donnelly.

Mayor David Cassetti said Monday that city officials are working to coordinate relief efforts to help the family and that more information would be announced when available.

A Facebook post from Eagle Hose Hook & Ladder is below.

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