Detonating fireworks and a collapsed staircase made a challenging response to a Monroe house fire yesterday, with one firefighter transported to the hospital for evaluation.  Stepney, Monroe and Stevenson volunteer fire departments responded to Hattertown Road yesterday morning. 

Firefighters initially battled the blaze from within, which quickly spread throughout the house due to its age, construction type, additions, and void spaces.  Firefighters had to retreat due to deteriorating conditions, structural damage and detonating fireworks. It took approximately 90 minutes to get under control.  

A mayday was called after an interior staircase collapsed under a firefighter but his crew was able to free him and he resumed working.

Crews from Trumbull and Shelton assisted with manpower while tankers responded from Newtown and Oxford.

No residents were injured. A second firefighter was later evaluated at the hospital. The house is uninhabitable and the fire marshal is investigating.