West Haven, CT (December 9, 2024) – Emergency responders from the West Haven Fire Department (WHFD) responded to a working apartment fire on the 12th floor of a building in the early evening hours of December 7, 2024. The fire, which was reported around 8:28 p.m., broke out in a kitchen area of one of the units. Firefighters quickly took control of the situation, and by 8:33 p.m., they reported that the flames were knocked down and they were actively checking for fire extensions.
A primary and secondary search of the unit and the surrounding floors revealed no additional victims, and evacuations were conducted to ensure the safety of residents. One victim, who was found conscious and alert, was safely removed from the apartment. This individual, who uses a motorized wheelchair, was assisted by firefighters as they transported them down the elevator to meet emergency medical services (EMS). The victim was then transported by AMR (American Medical Response) for further evaluation and possible hospitalization.
At 8:40 p.m., WHFD confirmed that the fire was fully out, and the area was being ventilated. A vent hole was being cut into the floor as part of the firefighting operations to ensure there were no further risks.
Our thoughts are with the victim and all those impacted by this fire. We hope for a full recovery and for the safety of all individuals involved.
Apartment Fires in Connecticut
Apartment fires, especially in multi-story buildings, can be especially dangerous due to the potential for rapid spread of flames and smoke. The West Haven fire response highlights the importance of quick action and effective fire safety measures, including regular evacuations and thorough searches for victims.
Kitchen fires, such as the one that ignited in this case, are common causes of residential fires. They often occur when cooking materials, such as grease or unattended flames, become too hot and ignite. To prevent these types of accidents, it’s important to never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using hot oil or cooking on high heat.
Fortunately, this fire was quickly contained, and there were no further injuries reported beyond the victim who was transported to the hospital. However, apartment building residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to ensure their safety, such as having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the home.
For those who live in apartment buildings, understanding fire escape routes and emergency procedures is crucial. It’s important to always be prepared in case of an emergency and know where to go and how to act if a fire occurs.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a fire or similar emergency, Local Accident Reports is here to help guide you through the recovery process. We offer support and resources to assist individuals after traumatic events like this.