Fire and evacuation of the building by explosion, closure of an elementary school in Bridgeport

A fire and explosion at a North Avenue building early Wednesday morning forced an evacuation and closed a nearby elementary school in Bridgeport.

Firefighters responded to a call reporting smoke coming from the third floor of 1512 North Ave. around 12:27 a.m. First responders found what appeared to be explosion damage in the hallway outside one of the third-floor apartments. The explosion went off in a door of one of the units.

No injuries were reported.

Emergency personnel evacuated residents from the building and established temporary shelter at a nearby school until the scene was declared safe. The Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad and FBI bomb technicians were called in to clear the scene and manage the scene.

The Bridgeport Police Department Detective Bureau is investigating the incident and working with local, state and federal agencies.

North Avenue was briefly closed between Oak and James streets, but reopened around 9:15 a.m. Residents were allowed back into the building around 9:45 a.m.

Geraldine Johnson Elementary School, which is across the street from the building, was closed today due to police activity in the area, according to Bridgeport Public Schools.

Police confirm to News 12 that a person of interest is in custody in connection with this case.

There is no word yet on the charges.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Bridgeport Police Detective Sgt. Luigi Tucciarone to 203-581-5217.