City of Bridgeport Press Release: Bridgeport Firefighters rescued a 93-year-old woman during a house fire after finding her unconscious in her bed late Wednesday as fire consumed the rear of the apartment. Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Martin said the firefighters “absolutely” saved her life. As firefighters arrived, a downstairs neighbor alerted firefighters that a second-floor resident might still be inside. Firefighters began an immediate search for the woman. Firefighters Bobby Hernandez and Richard Messer crawled through the apartment and located a closed bedroom door that was locked from the inside. “These were difficult conditions. The apartment was filled with smoke. There was no visibility. This was crawling and feeling,” said Martin. An 87-year-old resident of the second floor escaped the fire. He was outside being treated when Martin arrived. Both victims were taken to Bridgeport Hospital. They were conscious and alert when transported. “The courage of our firefighters never ceases to amaze me. They risk their lives to protect our kids and families – and in this case saved a 93-year-old woman who would not have survived were it not for their efforts,” said Mayor Bill Finch. Firefighters responded to 214 Bennett Street at about 10:15 p.m. and encountered a heavy smoke condition and fire coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters assisted the 87-year-old male and learned that a second victim was still inside in a middle bedroom. Hernandez, from Ladder 11, and Messer, from Rescue 5, crawled through the apartment and found the door closed and locked. They breached the door and found the woman unconscious. They grabbed the woman and began rushing her outside. She regained consciousness and began to struggle. Lt. Neil Carr, of Engine 4, came to their assistance and helped carry her the rest of the way to safety. “Firefighters did an outstanding job,” said Fire Chief Brian Rooney. “Were it not for firefighters quick actions, this could have had a tragic outcome.”
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:40:05 +0000
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