A “stubborn” fire caused extensive damage to a senior citizen’s home on Smith Street late Wednesday.
There were no injuries reported.
Seymour firefighters were notified of a possible structure fire at about 11:50 p.m. at 36 Smith St, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Timm Willis.
Firefighters arriving to the scene saw smoke pouring out of the house “pretty much on every level,” Willis said.
Luckily, the elderly home owner was outside when firefighters arrived. He was the only person home at the time.
The man’s name wasn’t released but property records list the house as being owned by Joseph Budnick.
Firefighters quickly determined they were dealing with a basement fire. They stretched a hose and extinguished the flames down there.
However, the balloon-construction of the 100-year-old house allowed flames to travel up the walls and into the attic. From there flames burned into a second-floor bedroom.
“It was a stubborn fire. It was one of those you had to chase for awhile,” Willis said.
He estimated it took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control. Firefighters took time to make sure the fire hadn’t spread into other nooks in the house.
There was substantial fire damage on the second floor, Willis said.
Willis said the fire started in a section of the basement where there were electrical wires and storage items.
However, the cause is still under investigation.
Willis is planning to interview the homeowner, who was able to stay with relatives.
He estimated the damage to the home to be at least $75,000.
In all, about 40 firefighters were at the scene.
In addition to the two Seymour fire companies, Beacon Falls and Oxford were called in for assistance.
