Fire damages Milford Borough landmark

MILFORD — A Tuesday morning lightning strike left a piece of Milford’s history charred and two families without a home, as an aggressive fire claimed the third floor and attic of a residence on James and Eighth streets. Milford Fire Department Assistant Chief Stan Ciesielski said the fire was 75-90% contained to the third floor and attic. Old timber fueled the fire along the walls that went from floor to floor without any break between. Another challenge posed by the 120 year-old building: volunteers reported extreme temperature because of the structure’s tin roof. “We went through a lot of guys, quickly,” Ciesielski said. A battle lasting at least six hours ensued before the fire was completely contained. One firefighter was treated for fatigue at the scene. Andrew Arizan, 16, said he was using the bathroom at the time of the strike at about 8 a.m. He said the room was illuminated through a window and a loud bang shook the floor. “My hair stood up and I fell backward,” he said. “It was like a shock wave.” Across the street, Emmanuel Martakis was washing his dishes and getting ready for work when he saw the bolt out of his kitchen window. After seeing sparks and some puffs of smoke come from the corner of the roof, he walked over to his neighbor’s home to see if there were any problems. He discovered nothing. Andrei Rosen, one of the seven residents of the two-family home, did a full check of the house. “Aside from one fallen branch and a few blown circuits, everything seemed fine,” he said. That remained the case until about two hours later when Rosen said he smelled smoke while moving some items around in his third floor office. Upon inspection outside, he saw smoke emanating from the roof. Rosen said he immediately called 911, and within one or two minutes, a member of the Milford fire department was on scene. Backup was called on the spot, shortly after 10:15 a.m. Several departments from a three-state area were sent an alarm, drawing dozens of firefighters and other responders. Surrounding streets, including a portion of West Harford were closed until the late afternoon. Within 15 minutes, Rosen said he and the other occupants were evacuated. “I only had time to grab my wallet, some of my medicine and the house papers,” he said. Electronic equipment for a computer graphics business was among possessions lost in the blaze. Rosen said both families, who have occupied the house for 14 years, are staying with neighbors nearby. Milford history The building at James and Eighth Street was the first St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Milford, built in 1877. The Church served the community until a new one was built in 1957. It subsequently became a residence that has undergone several renovations.