Officials say a 5-year-old boy is fighting for his life following a fire at a multi-family home in Bridgeport this weekend.

The boy is in critical condition in the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital. His mother was also hospitalized and is in stable condition.

The fire broke out just before 1 p.m. Saturday on the 700 block of William Street. Officials say the fire started in the kitchen on the second floor of the home, then spread to the third floor.

They say there were no working smoke detectors on those floors to alert nearly a dozen people of the danger. Crews had to pull the boy and his mother from the home.

"We can function inside these buildings," says Deputy Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department Lance Edwards. "The occupants cannot, so unfortunately the 5-year-old took in some inhalation."

Neighbors say they saw firefighters drill a hole through the roof and then pour water down.

"They came and they went in there and they came out," says Supreme Atkins. "They saved lives."

The Red Cross says it's helping several families displaced by the fire.

The National Fire Protection Association says house fires occur more in the winter than in any other season so it is important to follow certain guidelines.

They advise people to keep space heaters at least three feet from bedding, curtains and materials. Residents are also advised to have a qualified technician install new equipment, test smoke alarms at least once a month and never use an oven to heat your home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.