Residents recover personal items after fire

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - A fire that destroyed a condominium complex in Bridgeport last week has left 35 people without a home. Many of them have been waiting outside the condemned building, eager to find out if any of their personal belongings survived the fire.

Monday they were escorted by firefighters back into their homes to see what, if anything, was salvageable.

"It was awe on how much devastation, yet how many delicate things survived," said resident Deb Rosman.

It's hard to believe anything made it through the intense blaze Thursday morning. Walking through the charred hallways it is clear just how fast-spreading and involved the fire was.

"Major damage," said John Cotter Jr., Nutmeg Adjusters, "the structure will be torn down eventually."

Bridgeport firefighters escorted residents back into their homes. News 8 talked to residents before they went in to see what they were hoping to recover.

"I'm hoping to snag a couple of pictures," Rosman said, "actually mom and dad are in there, I have their remains so I do want to snag mom and dad out of there if I can."

Residents were told to focus on removing meaningful and essential items.

"There was a metal chair that was in my grandmother's home that was in my kitchen," Rosman said, "but I doubt I'll even be able to access it."

Fortunately for Rosman most of her family heirlooms and her parents' ashes were salvaged.

However, other residents weren't so lucky.

"It looks a mess," said Sandra Timberlake, "it's terrible."

Timberlake lost her pet fish, but she was able to recover photographs and clothing.

Timberlake's friend Kenya Byrd was there to help.

"She got a lot of her pictures," Byrd said, "that's what she was mainly worried about and plus her fish which didn't make it, but we'll get her some more."

Five of the units were completely destroyed in the blaze, meaning the residents who lived there won't be able to get back inside.