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The Westport Fire Department received a report of an automatic fire alarm at the home shortly after 11 p.m. Monday. Two engine companies and a shift commander were dispatched to the scene. While they were en route, the residents called 911 saying they had smoke coming from the basement, fire officials said. They were advised to evacuate the home and wait for responders to arrive.
When the engines arrived, firefighters did not see any smoke and began investigating the inside of the home, fire officials said. They found smoke emanating from the basement stairs right near the front door. The fire was contained to a single room in the basement, and firefighters stretched two hose lines while also ventilating the basement of smoke and heat.
They were able to knock the fire down quickly and keep the damage contained to the room where the fire began and a small room directly above the basement, fire officials said.
The Weston Fire Department provided a rapid intervention team during the fire, while the Norwalk Fire Department covered Westport fire headquarters during the incident.
"This fire is a testament to the fact that smoke detectors save lives and in this case, woke the family up and kept the fire damage contained to one room," the Westport Fire Department said in a statement. "Without the early detection of the fire, the outcome of this incident may have been much worse. Residents are reminded to check and test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly."
Firefighters cleared the scene at 2:08 a.m. Tuesday. No residents or firefighters were injured during the incident, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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