Eleven people have been displaced after a fire at 250 West Main Street in Meriden late Sunday afternoon.
Officials say the fire was contained to the basement, but smoke rose to upper levels causing damage.
The building contains six apartments and a business. Fire officials estimate about 25 people live in the building. Everyone made it out of the building safely, and firefighters rescued a dog that was still inside.
Firefighters left a large parrot inside, but he survived.
"There was no smoke in the room...we left the bird there," Assistant Fire Chief Robert Burdick said. "We found that bird's respiratory system is a lot faster than ours and are more readily overcome by smoke and changes in temperature, so if we had to bring him through smoke to get him out, that wouldn't have been a good thing. Left him where he was 'cause he was fine."
Several firefighters experienced heat issues and were evaluated by medical personnel before returning to duty. No serious injuries were reported.
Berlin and Wallingford provided mutual aid.
Local
The American Red Cross is helping 11 residents with emergency housing needs. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
