North Haven Fire Department Press Release
Structure Fire: 27 Quinnipiac Ave, North Haven, CT
Line of Duty Death
Update 12/28 22 17:30 hours
Background:
On Monday, December 26, 2022, members of the North Haven Fire Department responded to a reported fire in an occupied multiple family residential building located at 27 Quinnipiac Ave, North Haven, CT 06473. The fire was reported at approx. 01:11 hours. Upon arrival, fire crews observed heavy smoke coming from the rear of the structure. North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz collapsed outside of the building while operating at the fire scene. He was pronounced dead later in the morning at the hospital.
Statement:
Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven Fire Department are providing the following updates in regard to Ff Matthias Wirtz listed manner of death and the funeral arrangements planned for next week.
Firefighter Wirtz was the driver of the first arriving fire apparatus (Engine #9) that responded to a reported building fire with reports of people inside at 27 Quinnipiac Avenue. The officer of Engine #9 reported smoke showing from the rear of the building and initiated an interior fire attack and search of upper floors for trapped victims. Based on fire conditions, the Engine 9 officer also requested a second alarm to bring additional personnel and equipment to the scene. Weather conditions were below freezing which complicated fire attack operations by causing immediate icing on surfaces, pumps and hose lines. The fire was located on the 2nd and 3rd floors and was rapidly extending to the attic due to the type of construction and weather conditions. The fire had burned through the exterior wall and was visible from the rear.
Simultaneously, an immediate search of the building was initiated by North Haven Fire and Police officers to help evacuate all occupants. Working with 2 other members of his engine company that were calling for additional hose to reach the fire inside the building, FF Wirtz assisted with advancing the initial attack hose line from the exterior doorway, connected a large diameter hose line to the pump to prepare for hydrant water and pumped water to the operating hose lines as well as supporting fire ground operations. During the fire attack, FF Wirtz collapsed to the ground in the presence of another member that was changing out an air bottle to resume fire attack. Rescue efforts by on scene paramedics from North Haven Fire were immediately initiated and additional responders from North Haven Fire, East Haven Fire and Nelson Ambulance attempted life-saving procedures both on scene and enroute to the hospital.
The State Medical Examiner has released the cause of death as "Hypertensive and Cardiovascular Disease" with additional contributing factors. Additionally, the manner of death is listed as "Natural Causes."
As the above description of FF Wirtz' on scene activities prior to his collapse shows, FF Wirtz was actively working under extreme environmental conditions to protect the lives of the occupants and fellow members of his crew inside the building. FF Wirtz remained steadfast at his post ensuring their safety with disregard for his own and is a hero for his actions and ultimate sacrifice for others.
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Funeral Arrangements have been finalized for his services next week and are as follows:
Calling hours for the public will be held on Monday, January 2 at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North haven, CT 06473 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additional information for parking and shuttles will be released at a later date.
Firefighter Wirtz will be honored with the Line of Duty Death Funeral Protocol. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 3 at Saint Barnabas Church, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish located at 44 Washington Avenue starting at 11 a.m.
Interment will be private at the family's request.
***Special Instructions for uniformed emergency service members:
Uniformed members are respectfully asked NOT to bring fire apparatus, pipe bands or color guard units to the Wake or Funeral Services. The uniform of the Day will be Class A with cover. The North Haven Fire Department is wearing morning bands over badges in support our fallen brother. Staging locations will be announced for uniformed members through emergency services distribution.
Uniformed Members Wake Information on 1/2/23:
Uniformed members are asked to arrive at North Haven High School located at 221 Elm Street at 1:00 PM for shuttles access to the Funeral Home. Uniformed members will rally outside and in the parking lot and will provide walk through honors as a group at 2:30. Busses will return members to North Haven High School following the procession. Any members that cannot make the uniformed walk through are invited to pay their respects with the general public beginning at 3:00 PM.
Uniformed Members Funeral Information on 1/3/23:
Uniformed members are asked to arrive at North Haven High School located at 221 Elm Street at 9:00 AM for shuttles access to the Funeral Home. Uniformed members will receive instructions and line up information on site.
Please note the following anticipated traffic impacts to the North Haven Community:
Clintonville Road and Washington Avenue intersections will be closed during the early morning hours of the funeral and the North Haven FD expects the area will be lined with friends, family, and other emergency responder departments. We ask that drivers be respectful and aware of a larger than normal number of pedestrians in the area and seek alternate routes around the closures.
There will be a designated media location outside the church. It is asked that media do not approach the family or go inside the church during the funeral service.
The family wishes to thank the community for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support they have received over the several days. It has been a very emotional, sad, and difficult time for everyone.
Fire Chief Paul Januszewski
North Haven Fire Department
Media Contact:
Deputy Chief Scott Bisson
Email: bisson.scott@northhaven-ct.gov
Contact Number: 203-415-7954
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