Veteran Firefighter Dies While Battling Blaze in North Haven

A firefighter died while fighting a fire in North Haven early Monday morning, according to fire officials.

The fire broke out in a multi-family home at 27 Quinnipiac Avenue just after 1 a.m.

Chief Paul Januszewski identified the fallen firefighter as 46-year-old Matthias Wirtz. He was a 22-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department.

Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming from rear of the home.

Firefighters went into the home to battle the blaze from the inside, according to Januszewski.

During the fire attack, a "mayday" was issued for a firefighter down, he said.

Wirtz was located outside the structure and emergency crews began medical care immediately, according to Januszewski.

He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Matt was the firefighter you wish you could have dozens more of. He strived to do his best, he strived to give his all,” Januszewski said.

The loss of Wirtz has affected the entire town of North Haven.

“To lose one of your own, like we lost Matt, is absolutely devastating news,” said North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda.

All of the residents were able to escape the fire, In all, 13 people have been displaced, fire officials said.

There were no other injures reported.

Wirtz was a member of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe & Drums band for 20 years.

“Just a very big personality, big heart, a raspy voice and laugh that we will never forget,” said band manager Mike Torino.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered all flags in the state be lowered to half-staff in honor of Wirtz until his interment. A date for that has not yet been set.