Eight displaced
following Stamford fire

Stamford (WTNH) - An early morning four alarm blaze destroyed a Stamford restaurant and forced eight people out onto the street who lived above the restaurant. One person was injured.

Once the place for blazing buffalo wings and ribs hot off the smoke, the Fireside Restaurant on Hope Street went up in flames around 1:30 a.m.

More than 60 firefighters worked through the morning, dousing hot spots into the early afternoon. The restaurant is a total loss and so are the adjoining apartments.

"I really feel for them. This is always a tragedy when there's a fire like this and the business that's there; but for the people that lost everything, it is sad," said Capt. Bill Avales, Stamford Fire and Rescue.

The Red Cross is assisting those who are displaced.

The fire is also sad for locals like George Vesciglio who says Fireside's ribs were a family favorite.

"I felt sorry for the owners. It's one of the busier restaurants in Springdale, in town. It's a great rib place, good menu. They have a good faithful, loyal crowd there," Vesciglio said.

There's no word yet what sparked the blaze.