Connecticut State Police

One Dead After Fire in Somers

One person is dead after a house fire in Somers on Thursday night and the fire marshal is investigating what caused the fire.

Five people, including a child, were able to get out of the fire and are OK, thanks to a neighbor who ran to help after fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. on Juniper Hill Drive.

Bob Garlick, a neighbor, was grilling on his deck when he heard a loud bang Thursday night and saw a ball of flames.

He called to his wife to call 911.

Then he saw more explosions and ran to help.

“Pounded on the door. I opened up the door and I told people they had to get out. … There’s a fire. Get out, get,” Garlick said.

As he got people out, he asked if anyone was out.

Someone was still in the basement, the residents told Garlick, and went into the unfamiliar home to look for the person, but there was too much smoke and fire.

Mutual aid was called in and firefighters said they tried to do a search and rescue.

While putting out the flames, firefighters found remains on the first floor.

The name of the victim has not been released. State police said they are notifying family and the medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Neighbors are calling Garlick a hero and said the tragic fire could have been much worse if he had not gone to help, but he does not think of himself as one.

“Just a good neighbor. I’m no hero. I mean, if my house is on fire I would hope someone would help me out too and I think my neighbors would,” Garlick said.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

The state fire marshal is working to determine how and where the fire started.

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