Westport fire fighters said a call Sunday afternoon could have turned tragic, had the owners of a Charlotte White home not had properly functioning smoke and CO2 detectors.

Crews were called to the Cape-style home just before 3:30 by a neighbor who saw smoke and heard alarms going off. The home’s occupants were not home, but several family pets were in the house.

When they arrived, fire fighters found the home full fo smoke. A quick investigation led to the discovery of a malfunctioning wood-stove in the basement — a portion of the flue from the wood-stove became completely dislodged, filling the home with smoke and carbon monoxide, the department reported.

Firefighters removed the contents of the wood stove and vented the home, and the family pets were removed safely and in good health. Responders said the call highlights the importance of having functioning smoke and CO2 detectors, and credited the homeowners with having both.

Engines 3 and 4, Tanker 1, Rescue 2, Chief 1, Chief 2 and EMA, along with on-call and off duty firefighters, responded. An engine from Tiverton was also requested, but cancelled prior to arrival. We thank our police department and E911 dispatchers for their assistance.

Photos courtesy of retired Westport Fire Captain Micheal Silvia.