Bridgeport Fire Department Able to Make Quick Work of Fire at Local Apartment Complex; Minimal Damage

Members of the Bridgeport Fire Department were able to quickly eliminate a threat at a call for an apartment fire Tuesday evening in Harrison County.

“When our personnel arrived, there was smoke coming from the building,” said Pigg. “As it turned out, there was an air fryer in the kitchen that had caught fire in the area of the stove and countertop.”

Pigg said individuals who were in the building prior to their arrival had used a fire extinguisher to handle most of the blaze. As the air fryer was removed, the rest of the surrounding area of the complex was checked.

“There were no issues found in the rest of the building,” said Pigg. “In the unit where the air fryer was located there was minimal damage to the wall.”

Pigg said no one was injured. However, he said it was reported that two patients were dealing with smoke inhalation.

“Upon arrival, there was no one there stating they needed EMS care,” said Pigg.

Pigg said all fires are critical, but anything in a multi-unit building has potential to be severe.

“Something of that size, like Stonewall Garden Apartments where you have four units on the bottom and four on the top, you have to get on top of it quickly,” said Pigg. “If you get an extended fire, you’re not just worrying about one, but you’re worrying about eight.”

The apartment complex is in Harrison County, but it is not within the city limits of Bridgeport. It is in the Bridgeport Fire Department’s first due area.

Fire departments from Clarksburg, Anmoore, Flemington, and Nutter Fort were all alerted to the blaze. It is part of the mutual aid agreements the agencies have.

Pigg said Bridgeport was on the scene for less than an hour.