Several displaced by Norwich apartment fire

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- An apartment in Norwich went up in flames, leaving some residents turning to the Red Cross for help.

"There was a lot of fire showing, upon arrival," said Chief Ken Scandariato, Norwich Fire Department.

That was after three Norwich fire crews got the call about 5:30 Friday morning to the three-story, 15-unit apartment building at the Cedar Glen complex.

"We heard the trucks. I looked out and saw it was fire trucks, and realized, ah, there's a fire somewhere," said Randy Reynolds, resident. "Next thing we know, there's knocks on the door, 'Get out!  Get out!'"

No major injuries, but how's this for heroism: one firefighter kept up the good fight despite what happened to him.

"We did have a firefighter fall through the fire room, in to the floor below, but he was okay," said Chief Scandariato, "he got up and went back upstairs and continued to fight the fire."

All in a day's work. The Chief says smoke detectors were working, although no one was in that apartment when the crews got there. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced, but it appears most residents could be allowed back in by day's end.

"Within a half-an-hour, I'd say, the flames were gone," said Matt Sabourin, neighbor. "Smoke's still coming out, but that's common. Yeah, they were in and out, man, I must say Norwich did a good job, they really did a good job, so I'm proud of them.