I'd like to share what a Lt. from Fairfield FD posted on another forum site, CTFire-EMS.com about this job. The guys of the FFD did an outstanding job. They gave it their all and pushed themselves to the limit, but some things are just beyond our control.
"Having had a day or 2 to think it through several times, all I have to say is this. There is nothing we could have done different, faster or better to have given these 2 people at least a chance. The first floor of this cape was fully engulfed on arrival, with fire out several windows. The fire was so intense it actually burned a hole through the floor inside the front picture window. 2's had water on the fire almost immediately, leading off with a 2-1/2. My company, E-3, arrived 2nd due right behind them and established a water supply very quickly, as it was only a 200 foot hand drag to the nearest hydrant. E-3 was then assigned to VES the second floor via ground ladders as the first floor was still not fully knocked down yet. While me and my guys threw up a couple of ground ladders to the front dormers, the guys on the first due engine and truck did an almost super human job. Engine 2 fought their way into the front door, knocking down VERY heavy fire. Ladder 2 snuck around Engine 2 by entering into the first floor through a window next to the front door, off of the front porch, made their way above the fire though high heat and reached the second floor bedroom to ultimately find and remove the 2 victims of this terrible tragedy. When I broke out the first dormer window, a ton of heat and smoke came out, which enabled the Ladder guys to make the floor, as they were pinned down at the top of the stairs by high heat. As I finished cleaning out the frame, and prepared to haul myself off the tip of the ladder and into the room, they were already in there searching and had found the 2 victims and were removing them down the stairs. 2's had the bulk of the fire knocked down by this point. 4's and 1's had by now arrived and back up lines were being stretched and L-1 was assisting with removal to AMR, who was right there as well for immediate transport. Kudos to my A shift Brothers. First fire for a couple of new guys, it doesn't get much tougher than this one."
