Norwalk Fire Department
Press Release

January 31, 2012

The Norwalk Fire Department responded to an apartment fire this morning at 4:19 am, at 45 Maple Street in the Sheffield Ridge Condominium Complex. The fire was in unit 4C of the 4 story 40 unit building.  Firefighters forced their way into the fire unit to extinguish the blaze and discovered the 2 occupants of the unconscious. The occupants were removed to the buildings lobby by firefighters and transferred to awaiting Norwalk Hospital Paramedics, Once the fire was knocked down and occupants removed the firefighters quickly searched the other 9 units on the fire floor. The 4^th floor was heavily charged with smoke during the search which was negative. Tenants remained outside the building in their cars while fire crews ventilated the building and monitored for toxic gases. The tenants were able to re-enter the building by 5:30 am.  The occupants of the fire unit were a mother approximately 70 years old and a daughter approximately in her 50s. Both occupants were in serious condition.  28 firefighters responded to the blaze on 4 Engines, 2 Trucks, a Rescue and Command Car. The Westport Fire Department provided an Engine for coverage during the fire. Fire crews cleared the scene by 6:00 am. Fire Inspector Kirk McDonald is investigating the cause of the blaze, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office due to the seriousness of the occupant’s injuries.