Investigation into Robin Lane Fire is Ongoing

Openings exposed the charred roof of Joseph and Deborah Matthews' two-story colonial to the sky Tuesday afternoon in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed their home after Easter weekend.

Fire Marshal Bill Davin told Patch that the sound of shattering glass awoke Joseph at around 1:07 a.m. Monday and that he had managed to get his wife, their three high school-age children and the family dog out safely through the garage.

"The cat was missing at first, but was later found safe," Davin said Tuesday.

The smoke detectors worked properly, according to the fire marshal.

"They spent last night with relatives who live in town," Davin said. "They'll probably be relocating in a few days with the help of their insurance company."

Meanwhile, Davin said the house is a "total loss," estimating the damage at "whatever it will cost them to replace the house minus the foundation." He said the fire had spread throughout the entire structure.

"Whatever was not destroyed by the fire sustained heavy heat and smoke damage," Davin said. "It burned up the exterior of the building, then up into the eaves and the attic."

Davin examined evidence at the scene on Monday from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m.

"Right now, how it started is undetermined," he said. "We have an area of origin, but that cannot be disclosed due to the pending investigation. It will remain open for the time being."

Davin had called in the State Fire Marshal's Office to assist in the investigation.

The fire marshal reminds residents to make sure they have working smoke detectors like the Matthews' did, as well as an escape plan in the event of a fire.

"You never think this would happen to you," Davin said. "Now of course they have a different outlook on it."

Engulfed in Flames

A Monroe volunteer firefighter, on his way home from responding to an unrelated power line fire, was driving on East Village road around 1:05 Monday morning when he spotted a home engulfed in flames on Robin Lane, according to Monroe Fire Department Spokesman Kevin Catalano's account.

As the firefighter pulled up to the house, the family of five was safely evacuating the home.

Heavy flames quickly spread throughout the first and second floors and the attic of the home. Over 40 firefighters battled the fire under the direction of Monroe Deputy Fire Chief Josh Krize, with most fire units clearing the scene around 5 a.m.

Volunteer firefighters from Stevenson, Monroe, and Stepney responded and were hampered by the large volume of fire upon arrival, strong winds, and a lack of hydrants in the area.

Tanker trucks from Newtown and Shelton were called in to assist along with engine crews from Newtown and Oxford because firefighters were concerned that the embers being blowing throughout the neighborhood could spark another house fire.

Surrounding fire departments, including Seymour, staffed fire stations throughout Monroe to provide coverage while Monroe's firefighters spent all night at the blaze.