80 People Displaced In 2-Alarm Fire In Danbury, Officials Say

DANBURY, CT — About 80 people have been displaced from their homes after a major fire was reported Thursday afternoon on Sand Pit Road, fire officials said.

At 4:12 p.m. Danbury 911 Communications Center received numerous 911 calls reporting a fire at an apartment complex.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a working fire that was quickly escalated to a second alarm.

During the incident, crews received reports of a resident trapped on his balcony while heavy smoke filled his apartment, fire officials said.

Firefighters were able to safely rescue the individual using a ground ladder. He was evaluated by EMS and transported to Danbury Hospital.

Approximately 60 firefighters and support personnel from Danbury, Brookfield, and Stony Hill responded to the scene and worked together to bring the fire under control.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down and contained by 6:13 p.m.

"During operations, a three floor pancake collapse occurred to the structure," fire officials said. "In total, three civilians were transported to Danbury Hospital. Additionally, one firefighter was transported for evaluation. A dog was also rescued and transported to a veterinary hospital in Newtown for treatment."

While units were operating at the fire, the rest of the city was covered by mutual aid companies from Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Newtown.

As a result of the fire, approximately 80 residents have been displaced and are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office

Mayor Roberto Alves said he was notified of a "devastating apartment fire on Sand Pit Road."

"Thanks to the swift and courageous response of our first responders, the fire was brought under control," Alves said.
"Thank you to the Danbury Career and Volunteer Firefighters, as well as our Danbury Police Department. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the nearly 60 firefighters and support personnel from Danbury, Brookfield, and Stony Hill who responded, as well as the mutual aid companies from Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Newtown that ensured the rest of our city remained protected."

The mayor said of the families displaced, "This is an incredibly difficult moment for these residents and their families.
The City of Danbury stands with them, and we will continue working together to support them in the days ahead."

Original story: DANBURY, CT — Firefighters made multiple rescues after a fire broke out at a condominium complex in Danbury Thursday afternoon, according to Danbury Professional Fire Fighters.

The fire was reported the city's Germantown neighborhood.

According to Danbury Professional Fire Fighters Local 801, Engine 23 was the first company to arrive and immediately requested a second alarm after finding heavy fire at the complex.

Local 801 said firefighters made multiple rescues as crews worked to battle the blaze.

The fire remained active Thursday evening, and officials had not yet released information on injuries, the cause of the fire or the number of residents displaced.