New Haven Independent

Some 25 firefighters responded to the two-alarm call shortly before noon at the 400 Elm St. complex at the corner of Elm and Howe streets.

Police blocked off surrounding streets as firefighters raced up to a seventh-floor apartment where the fire had started in the federally subsidized not-for-profit housing complex. Within about 20 minutes the fire was put out.

“When they got in, the cabinets were on fire,” said Deputy Cheif Patrick Ryan. “The person was already out of there. The door was unlocked.”

Some elderly people on the floor weren’t aware of the fire, so firefighters knocked on doors and alerted them. One elderly man didn’t realize what was going on and had to be escorted out, according to Lt. Brian Jooss.

Jooss said the fire damage was contained to the apartment’s kitchen.