Wednesday’s wind fueled a house fire in Bridgeport, leaving seven people and one pet displaced, according to fire officials.

It happened on Grand Street near the intersection with Center Street and shut down surrounded blocks for a few hours.

Firefighters responded to the burning wooden building around 8:45 a.m. The first crews called for more help.

“We had some pretty credible reports of people trapped on the upper floors, and with the heavy fire conditions, it warranted some extra personnel,” explained Asst. Chief Andrew Ellis.

About 50 firefighters total were on scene, Ellis said, adding that searches of the building came up empty.

The six adults, one child and a dog all got out safely on their own, according to Chief Lance Edwards. One person needed to be checked out there but refused medical care.

“Upon my arrival, we had a gentleman out the back covered in soot. He was taking in some smoke. He was trying to put the fire out prior to us getting here,” Ellis told News 12.

Ellis also said working smoking detectors were critical in alerting everyone to leave the house.

“I believe if they didn't have the detectors going, they would've had a bigger problem,” Ellis stated.

It was evident just how fast the people inside evacuated. News 12 saw more than one of them outside wearing flip flops because they didn't have the chance to put on their usual shoes. Time is always of the essence with a fire, but in this case, there was the added factor of the wind, which caused the flames to intensify and spread.

“We have to be very careful on windy days like this because wind-driven fires can change the dynamic inside very quickly, and it did. It rolled over on the guys up on the third floor. They had to come out kind of hastily,” Ellis said.

Crews changed tactics, attacking the fire from the outside, he explained. Then when it was safe, they went back in to tackle hotspots. The wind also led to concerns about rekindling.

“We prepare for this. We train a lot to make sure we have a positive outcome, so I’m very proud of the men and women that showed up today,” Edwards told News 12.

Edwards said the fire began on the first floor, with the wind pushing it up to the floors above, but the cause is under investigation. The building inspector also responded and deemed the house a total loss.

“We took part of the front porch down. There's extensive damage throughout—heat, smoke and water,” Ellis explained.

He reminded the Bridgeport community to check their smoke detectors. Those without smoke alarms, can get them through the city’s free program, which also includes installation.