2 Bridgeport firefighters die in line of duty

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Two Bridgeport firefighters have died in the line of duty while battling a house fire.

Spokeswoman Elaine Ficarra of Mayor Bill Finch's office says the firefighters died Saturday afternoon while at the scene of the fire at 41 Elmwood Avenue.

The fallen firefighters from Bridgeport have been identified as 40-year-old Lieutenant Steve Velazquez and 49-year-old Fightfighter Michel Baik. Both men were assigned to Ladder 11.

Many people are posting their thoughts and prayers on the Bridgeport FD's Facebook page .

During a news conference Saturday night, a solemn Mayor Bill Finch said, "The other firefighters, we believe, heard two May Days and when they responded, they found the two officers who were overcome with whatever it was that overcame them. The matter is going to be investigated by the State Fire Marshal on the scene."

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Petrucelli says the two men were found unconscious on the third floor of the three-story house after the fire was extinguished. Petrucelli says they were taken to hospitals and later pronounced dead.

Fire Captain Ed McCann says three or four other firefighters were treated at Bridgeport and St. Vincent hospitals for their injuries and released.

McCann says firefighters were called to the three-story house at around 3:30 p.m. He says no residents were injured.

The Bridgeport Fire Department says they believe the fire started on the third floor.

The American Red Cross and crisis workers are working with the Bridgeport Fire Dept. to help them deal with this tragedy. As well, mutual aid support has come from every community around the Park City, including Milford, Fairfield and Westport.

Bridgeport has not lost a firefighter in the line of duty since 1999.

Stay with News 8 for the very latest on this developing story.