6:25pm the Fairfield Emergency Communication Center received a report from a neighbor of 87 Old Dam Road of “fire showing from the roof,” with 911 call from the residence and another call reporting that neighbors had “been able to knock on the door and remove the family from the residence.” Fairfield Fire Engines 1, 2, 4 and 5, Ladders 1 and 2, and Cars 1, 3 and 5 responded along with Fairfield Police, the Fairfield Building Official and American Medical Response.

Engine 1 was first on the scene and reported smoke coming from the north gable of the two story wood-frame house, directing Ladder 1 to ventilate and Engine 4 to take the hydrant. Upon making entry and accessing the attic through a hatch, the fire was found to be contained to a whole-house attic fan and surrounding insulation material, which was extinguished with a 1 ¾” hoseline. Fire personnel then ventilated the home to clear the smoke and removed the burned fan and insulation from the house.

“Fortunately we were able to quickly extinguish this fire before it became unmanageable due to a vigilant neighbor who alerted the family to evacuate before anyone was hurt and called for the Fire Department,” said Assistant Chief Scott Bisson who served as Incident Commander. Assistant Chief Bisson noted that the cause of the fire had been found to be accidental and originating in the attic fan causing damage to the attic, adding that “homeowners should use caution when using appliances that have not been used for a period of time, or if they are uncertain that the appliance is in good working order.”

Assistant Chief Bisson placed a recall of alarm at 6:41pm, releasing Engine 5 from the scene at that time but holding all other units. Westport and Bridgeport Fire Departments sent units to Fairfield for mutual aid coverage, with Bridgeport apparatus responding to calls while they were covering. After speaking with the occupants Bisson observed that the Old Dam Road residence remained habitable with relatively minor smoke and water damage. Engine 1 was the last Fire Department unit to clear at 7:26pm.