Firefighters battled a blaze while responding to a house fire at 343 Hattertown Road just before noon on Sunday.
On their Facebook page, Monroe Volunteer Fire Co. firefighters said they were joined in their response by the Stepney and Stevenson fire companies.
“Heavy fire was showing on the first floor upon arrival, and all occupants had safely evacuated,” they said.
Firefighters used four hand lines as crews made an aggressive interior attack, fighting the fire on the first and second floors and in the attic, which continued to flare up given the original part of the home was balloon frame construction dating to the Civil War era.
Firefighters also contended with a heavy fire load inside the home whose unusual layout contributed to black-out smoke conditions, a lack of nearby hydrants and ice earlier in the incident.
Trumbull and Easton firefighters were called in to assist in the operation, which required heavy manpower, and several tanker trucks brought in from Newtown supplied water.
No residents or firefighters were injured and the last fire units cleared four hours later.
Monroe Fire Marshal William Davin said the cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation. The home is uninhabitable and the residents will be staying with family.
Shelton covered Monroe for additional fire calls, Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service was on scene along with police, Red Cross and the Stepney and Monroe Women’s Auxiliary providing rehab.
The “ best part “( in addition to no one being hurt ) was that afterwards , at least 10+ of these firefighters drove to my house , some with fire smoke still rubbed into their faces, to drop off presents from Santa as part of the Town Giving Tree program. Read that again. Even after risking their lives they followed through with a prior commitment and delivered presents to my family to help Santa. Tremendous Xmas spirit showed by these firefighters. Thank you very much Stepney VOLUNTEER Fire Dept