An early morning fire saw six individuals safely removed for a Bridgeport structure thanks to the quick action of a neighbor in a blaze that witnessed one firefighter suffering minor injuries, according to Chief Phil Hart.

 

The fire department was dispatched at 3:27 a.m. to the structure situated at 416 Oakdale Street. According to Hart, the fire was reported by a neighbor who thought the occupants were still inside. As it turned out, the neighbor was correct.

 

“Someone definitely could have been injured or even worse there could have been fatalities,” said Hart. “The occupants didn’t know the house was on fire. An adult female was awoken by lights flashing when the trucks pulled up to the home and she came down to see what was going on.”

 

Hart said as firefighters began to enter the home they were met at the door by the female. At that time, she had woken up an adult male and a child. As those three were exiting the structure, firefighters were told three children were upstairs.

 

“Those three were met and helped to safety,” said Hart. “This was another case of a good neighbor making sure a situation didn’t get bad.”

 

The fire was contained to the outside of the house, the garage and the back porch. Hart said the fire originated on the back porch and the initial investigation shows nothing suspicious.

 

“A gas grill was left on,” said Hart. “There was extensive damage to the porch and the exterior wall of the house and garage area.”

 

Hart said the house did have working smoke detectors. However, due to the location of the fire they didn’t activate.

 

A firefighter suffered an ankle injury during the call. The firefighter was transported to United Hospital Center, treated and released.

 

The Bridgeport Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Anmoore, Nutter Fort, and Shinnston Fire Departments. The Harrison County Emergency Squad assisted in the transport of the injured firefighter to UHC.

 

Editor's Note: Fire Chief Phil Hart is shown on the scene of a blaze in this file photo.