The state and local fire marshal are trying to determine what sparked a house fire in Ansonia that killed an elderly man. The blaze broke out around 6:45 p.m. Friday at a home at 16 Fifth Street.
Investigators said it appears the man and his wife were trying to escape as the fire intensified. When volunteer firefighters and neighbors arrived, they tried to help Laura and Rufus McMichael get out of their home.
They were able to rescue Mrs. McMichael, who is wheelchair bound, but Mr. McMichael did not survive.
Both officials and neighbors say the McMicheals were well-liked.
"The people that live in the house are well known in the neighborhood. They've very nice folks. It's hard with anybody but as you can see these people have been standing here all night long," said Chief Michael Eheman, Ansonia Fire Department.
"It's a very tough night for me, my family, the lodge and this neighborhood because he was a very likeable person," John Belton said.
Fire crews said the oxygen tank used by Mrs. McMichael likely helped to spread the fire, along with the older construction of the home. At one point, crews were pulled out for fear part of the home might collapse.
Local
Laura McMichael is listed in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Saturday.
