Disabled man pulled from Prospect blaze

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PROSPECT — A disabled man was rescued from his ranch-style home after it caught fire Saturday evening.

The fire began in the garage of his home, 47 Talmadge Hill Road, at about 6 p.m. It quickly spread to a wall of the house, but emergency responders and a few good Samaritans were able to get him out before he was in any danger.

“The fire quickly spread to the living room where he was,” said Lt. PJ Conway, spokesman for the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect.

Fire Chief Jay Kologe was the first to arrive at the scene. He and a few neighbors and a passer-by entered through the front door and carried the occupant out to safety. Fire officials didn’t release the name of the occupant, who was the only person inside when the fire began. He was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury for evaluation.

The fire destroyed the garage, but firefighters were able to keep it from spreading very far into the house.

Fighting the fire was complicated by the fact that there are no hydrants on the street.

Bethany’s fire department brought a tanker to the scene to provide an additional supply of water.

Prospect had about 30 firefighters on scene.

Meanwhile, a Cheshire fire engine provided mutual aid by covering at Prospect Fire House in case another fire call came in. At the same time, surrounding towns were also helping Waterbury Fire Department battle a massive factory fire.

Conway said the house fire spread outside the garage, causing a brush fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire by 7 p.m., he said.

Other residents of the home were displaced due to water and smoke damage throughout the structure.

Conway said he wasn’t sure how many people live there. The American Red Cross is helping them find temporary lodging.

Fire Marshal Keith Griffin and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire. Conway said there were no signs of arson.