Bridgeport fire displaces about 100 people; borough, volunteers and relief groups coordinate shelter and aid

A fire at Bridgeport Suites over the weekend displaced roughly 100 people and sent six residents to area hospitals, borough officials said at the Bridgeport Borough Council meeting on Feb. 25.

Mayor Jacks and borough staff credited local fire departments, county emergency teams, the Red Cross and volunteer groups for a rapid response that sheltered dozens of residents that day and organized ongoing support. “This level of teamwork saved dozens of lives and personal belongings,” Mayor Jacks said.

The borough provided initial figures during the meeting. Chief Bontec reported that about 75 people were placed in hotel rooms by emergency responders, another 74 residents stayed with friends or family, and more than 100 people were evacuated from the building on Saturday. “Six people were injured and transported via EMS to area hospitals. Of those six, two were critical,” Bontec said, adding that one of the two critical patients had been discharged and the other was expected to come off the critical list soon.

Council members, the mayor’s office and volunteers described immediate relief activities that included food distribution, emergency case management and efforts to identify special needs. Mayor Jacks asked residents to consider donations to the local recovery fund organized under Growing Bridgeport Together; borough materials direct donors to the group’s website for donation links.

Volunteer coordinators and resident leaders described ongoing needs. Heather Kacenza, who has been assisting at the scene, told council that some hotel rooms lack microwaves and that donated items such as shower chairs and cleaning supplies remain in demand. Borough staff and property management representatives said they are coordinating larger-scale cleanings, laundry support and distribution of gift cards and donated supplies. John (last name not specified), a volunteer with the donation drive, said a distribution of about 100 gift cards was planned the day after the meeting.

Officials urged residents not to share unverified claims on social media and to use official borough channels for up-to-date information on rehousing and assistance. Borough manager Mr. Truman said the borough and its partners will continue rehoming efforts for the next two weeks and beyond for more serious cases and that updates will be posted online and announced at future meetings.

Council members and staff thanked firefighters and emergency volunteers by name during the meeting; the borough singled out Chief Steve Wanzik and other mutual-aid departments for their response. Police officers who aided evacuees were also commended — two officers were treated and released for smoke inhalation, according to the chief’s report.

Mayor Jacks and council members said relief and recovery will be ongoing. Residents seeking to help were directed to Growing Bridgeport Together and other local relief pages; officials said the borough will announce coordinated volunteer opportunities and follow-up details in coming days.