Woman defies heavy flames, rescues son from blaze
Published: February 14, 2007
Firefighters believe a mother braved flames early Wednesday morning and risked her own life to save her son in a blaze that destroyed a West Thames Street home.
“The only way out of that bedroom was through a hallway and a fully involved fire,” City Fire Chief Kenneth Scandariato said, pointing to the charred remains of the structure at 568 W. Thames St. “The woman saved that child.”
Ten people are homeless, while the severely burned mother was listed in critical condition late Tuesday at Bridgeport Hospital. Her son was listed in serious condition, according to hospital spokesman John Cappiello.
Scandariato was among state and city investigators who combed through the remains of the two-family home late Tuesday to try to determine the cause and origin of the fire. City building officials also were investigating whether illegal additions were made to the home, as they had been in the past.
The occupants were mostly from Tibet and work in the housekeeping department at Mohegan Sun. The Red Cross met with the occupants Wednesday night to determine their needs.
Language barrier
In addition to transportation, Mohegan Sun provided interpreters after some confusing moments for firefighters who arrived early at the scene of the 5:26 a.m. fire.
East Great Plain Fire Chief Patrick Daley was one of the first to arrive and said he found “fire blowing out of every window. Heavy, heavy fire.”
He immediately called for a second alarm and aid from Norwich and Mohegan volunteer department in Montville. At the time, firefighters were trying to determine whether people were still inside.
“Because of the language barrier, there was some confusion getting everyone accounted for,” Daley said. “Early on, we were under the assumption two people were still in the building. We tried to get in, but were halted by the spread of the fire.”
Many of the occupants took shelter from the frigid temperatures next door when Shetucket Supply Companies employee Gary Way opened the showroom.
Fire crews remained at the scene much of the day in anticipation of the building being razed by day’s end.
City Manager Bob Zarnetske confirmed that last year the house was found in violation of city building codes because of extra walls and a bathroom in the basement.
In May 2006, owner Peggy Hung Chun Ma was ordered to remove the additions, which she did, he said.
“We are interested to find out if something was constructed there after May of last year,” Zarnetske said.
Zarnetske said the city is focused on ensuring every building is in compliance with the building and fire codes. The investigation is ongoing.
“It’s a matter of life and death,” Zarnetske said.
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