One hospitalized, thirteen displaced following 2-alarm fire in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WFSB) - One person was transported to the hospital and nine families were displaced following a fire in Middletown on Saturday.

The fire began shortly before 8:30 a.m. at an apartment complex on Russet Lane. Russet Lane is located in the Westfield section of Middletown.

Firefighters from the Westfield Fire Department, Middletown Fire, South District Fire, Middlefield Fire, Cromwell Fire, and East Berlin Fire all responded.

The call was initially for a first-alarm fire but more crews were called in due to the time of day and location of the fire, officials say. Portland Fire and South Fire District responded for mutual aid.

When emergency crews arrived four residents and one dog were trapped on their balconies, Middletown Fire Chief Jay Woron said.

The residents and dog were rescued from a second-story balcony.

The fire was under control in 10 minutes, Westfield Fire officials say.

One resident was transported to the hospital and thirteen people were displaced, twelve adults and one child.

Tasha Evans, a resident at the apartment complex, walked onto her back patio and saw the apartment just a few units over engulfed in flames.

Evans says she was in awe to see this all unfold just steps away from where she lives.

“I hope nobody was there and no ones hurt,” said Evans.

Chief Ponzio says the fire was put out in about 10 minutes with the help of the other fire departments in Middletown.

Evans and other neighbors say they’re relieved the fire didn’t spread or cause any life-threatening injuries.

“It all happened really fast. It was a fire, then the fireman came real quick, they put it out and that was it,” said Evans.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The City of Middletown Health Department is working with the Red Cross to find temporary housing for the displaced residents.

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