STAMFORD, CT — A resident sustained life-threatening injuries after jumping from a window to escape a fire at a three-story row house on Clinton Avenue early Saturday morning, according to the Stamford Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched to 17 Clinton Avenue at 5:15 a.m. and arrived within three minutes to find flames and smoke pouring from the first-floor windows of an end unit in the multi-family building. Neighbors alerted firefighters to an occupant trapped at a rear window. Before firefighters could position a ground ladder for rescue, the man jumped from the window due to the severity of the situation.
While aggressively battling the fire from the front, firefighters treated the injured resident at the rear of the structure. Reports of additional missing occupants prompted the activation of a second alarm, sending more resources to the scene. A search of the building and adjacent units found no other occupants.
The fire, confined to the unit of origin, was brought under control within 20 minutes. Firefighters remained on the scene for two additional hours, conducting overhaul and salvage operations. The injured occupant was transported to Stamford Hospital by emergency medical services and remains in critical condition.
A total of 50 personnel from five engine companies, two truck companies, a heavy rescue company, and both on-duty deputy chiefs responded. No firefighters were injured during the operation.
The Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Additional support was provided by the Stamford Police Department, Stamford EMS, and other divisions of the fire department.
“This was an all-hands effort by first and second alarm companies,” said Deputy Chief and Incident Commander Matt Palmer. “Thanks to the collective efforts of all members, the fire was quickly brought under control and damage contained to the unit of origin.”