16 Fifth Street Fire

Ansonia Police Department KEVIN J.HALE

2 Elm Street Ansonia, CT 06401

Chief of Police

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PH. 203 735-1885 FAX 203 734-6398

PRESS RELEASE

On 10-02-2009 at approximately 6:52 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received numerous 911 calls reporting a structure fire at 16 Fifth Street. Ansonia Police officers and the Ansonia Fire Department were dispatcher to the area. Upon arrival, officers found that the home was a fully involved structure fire and received information that two people were still inside of the house. Police officers along with neighbors and volunteer firemen entered the house and were able to rescue and elderly female from the home but were unable to gain any further access due to the fire and smoke. The female was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. An Ansonia Police Officer was injured in the rescue and was treated and released from Griffin Hospital. The officer sustained a burn to his right forearm. Once fire personnel were on scene they began to extinguish the fire. Once access was gained to the residence it was learned that there was an elderly male inside of the house, who had died as a result of the fire. No other victims were located. The Ansonia Fire Marshall's Office along with the State Fire Marshall's Office and Ansonia Police Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire. ******************************************UPDATE*************************************************************************** The victims of the fire have been identified as Laura McMichael, age 81, of 16 Fifth Street and Rufus McMichael, Age 84, of 16 Fifth Street. Laura McMichael is still at Bridgeport Hospital and listed in critical condition. The autopsy for Rufus McMichael has been scheduled for Sunday October 4, 2009 at the State Medical Examiners Office. The fire is still under investigation. No cause for the fire has been determined as this point.