A fire damaged the first floor of a three-family home in Downtown Shelton Wednesday evening, but four people made it to safety thanks to a Shelton firefighter who evacuated them.
A fifth person was found unconscious on the first floor and taken by Echo Hose Ambulance to Bridgeport Hospital, said Asst. Fire Chief Nick Verdicchio.
The patient was listed as critical late Wednesday, said Hospital Spokesman John Cappiello.
Firefighter Chris Jones was exiting the Boys & Girls Club about 5:30 p.m. when he saw smoke and fire at 593 Howe Ave. The first floor was "fully involved" but Jones was able to get four people from the second floor, the assistant chief said.
"He reacted and he did a tremendous job," Verdicchio said.
Firefighters had the scene under control in 10 minutes, according to the assistant chief. The Red Cross was called but some residents may have found housing, he added.
The home was uninhabitable Wednesday night.
The cause is under investigation by the City Fire Marshal.
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