Discarded Cigarette Starts Fire At Condo In Hamden: Officials

HAMDEN, CT — An improperly discarded cigarette led to a fire at a condominium complex late Saturday night in Hamden, according to officials.

Firefighters responded to 2480 Whitney Ave. at 11:12 p.m. on the report of smoke in the basement, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Nelson Hwang. Firefighters found smoke coming from the basement of a two-story condo unit.

The homeowner used a portable fire extinguisher to put the fire out, according to Hwang.

“The crew from Squad 1 advanced a hose line to the basement and checked for extension while extinguishing any remaining fire,” Hwang wrote in a news release. “Fire damage was contained to the molding around the sliding door and immediate wall space. There was no extension and the unit was ventilated.”

Hwang said the fire started from an improperly discarded cigarette. The resident had been smoking a cigarette in the doorway while waiting for her dog to return from the outside, according to Hwang.

The resident said she smelled smoke in the house and went to investigate. The smoke detector in the basement activated and alerted her.

“The resident used a portable fire extinguisher to put the fire out and evacuated the building with her son,” Hwang said. “The Hamden Fire Department advises residents to extinguish cigarettes in a proper container. If you cannot safely extinguish the fire call 911 and exit the home immediately.”