8 escape Waterbury blaze

Waterbury, Conn. (WTNH) - Eight people, including three children, escaped an early morning blaze in Waterbury Sunday.

The fire occurred just before 8:30 a.m., at a multi-family home located at 197 Willow St.

Deputy Chief Rick Hart said preliminary investigation indicates that the fire started in the basement and because of balloon construction it spread quickly to the third floor.

Homeowner Basileo Rodriguez recalled waking to the sound of smoke detectors and told his wife and kids to get out of the home. Rodriguez said he then attempted to battle the blaze with a fire extinguisher, but quickly realized it was too big.

The fire remains under investigation.