A working smoke detector enabled an Orange family to escape injury late Friday night after fire broke out at their home on Mapledale Road.
The Orange Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 11:07 p.m. to 828 Mapledale Road for a reported building fire. While responding, dispatch received multiple calls from the occupant and neighbors reporting visible flames coming from the structure.
First-responding firefighters reported visible flames coming from the rear of the home. Firefighters immediately entered the residence to extinguish the fire and search for a family dog. Unfortunately, the dog succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.
Interior crews encountered heavy fire conditions in the attic space and within the vaulted ceilings. Firefighters advanced into the attic area and worked to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire was reported under control at around 12:02 a.m.
Members of the Derby Fire Department responded to assist with additional manpower and staffed the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), which is assigned to respond in the event a firefighter requires rescue.
AMR ambulance personnel were on scene to evaluate firefighters and occupants for any injuries. The Orange Police Department also assisted at the scene. The Woodbridge Fire Department was requested to provide coverage for the Town of Orange while Orange firefighters operated at the scene
The darkness in the area  made this a challenging call. and the high winds from the storm impacted the intensity of the fire.
The Orange Fire Marshal’s Office is investigation the cause of the fire.