Anxious residents ready to get into their homes

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - The day after a fire left 35 people without a home, many residents showed returned to their homes to see if their belongings survived the fire.

The fire that ripped through the Beechmont apartment complex Thursday morning destroyed some units and left nothing behind. For those whose apartments weren't as severely damaged, they are eager to get their hands on what remained.

"Right now we're just trying to see if we can go inside and try to get our stuff out that survived the fire," said Johan Vasquez.

Officials say that will happen on Monday.  Starting at 10 a.m. residents, with the help and protection of firefighters, will be able to get inside and remove what's salvageable. The building department and fire marshal to deem the structure safe enough for the residents to be let back in to get their belongings. When that happens the residents will have to be escorted.

"Just to make sure nothing like ceilings falling on their heads and stuff like that. I have to get it cleared through the building department," said John Cotter from Nutmeg Adjusters.

The residents need to call Nutmeg Adjusters at 203-333-5555 to schedule a walk through.

In the meantime, residents wait outside, hoping their stuff, especially the sentimental ones, made it through the fire.

"My sister has a dozen stuffed animal puppies in there," Vasquez said. "People who didn't get their house destroyed are trying to get back inside and grab what they can."

So far, the Red Cross has assisted more than 20 residents get food and clothing while they wait to get let back in.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.