A fire at 207 Caroline Street, not far from the Derby Green (contributed photo).
DERBY — Three firefighters were injured Wednesday night battling a blaze at an apartment house on Caroline Street, officials said.
Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart said the injuries were minor.
“There was an arm injury, a head injury, and a back injury. They were all minor, but they are being evaluated by EMS and brought to the hospital as a precautionary measure,” Lenart said.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by acting Derby Fire Marshal Richard Tardie.
The fire was reported at 8:37 p.m. at 207 Caroline St. The house sits at the intersection of Caroline and Fifth Street in downtown Derby.
“Crews arrived on scene and they found fire in the rear second floor, extending rapidly up the outside of the building. Then it went up some porches and into the attic,” Lenart said.
The houses on Caroline Street are close together. A neighbor in a house across the alley said the flames were so intense he thought his kitchen windows would burst.
Lenart estimated there were between four to six people in two apartments when the fire started. Everyone got out without injury, he said. An ambulance was already on scene attending to a medical call when the structure fire was reported.
“A neighbor came running to tell them there was a fire,” Lenart said.
Red Cross was on its way to the scene to help the tenants as of 9 p.m.
Property records show the two-story, 3,000 square-foot building was built in 1877.
“It’s an old building, so it took a little bit to chase,” the chief said.
Ansonia, Seymour and Shelton firefighters responded to the scene as well. The Orange Fire Department covered Derby in case any other calls came in.
Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan was on scene, as were Second Ward Aldermen Gino DiGiovanni and Ron Sill.
Dziekan thanked the crews for their professionalism.
“We’re lucky we have such great volunteers,” he said.
Another view of the scene on Caroline Street on Wednesday (Oct. 5).
