City Rallies To Support Several Families Displaced By Derby House Fire

DERBY, CT — The city encourages residents to help their neighbors and support several families who were displaced by a house fire that broke out over the weekend on Derby Avenue.

In an email from the city, Town Clerk Marc Garofalo said the fire, which broke out early Sunday morning, resulted in several families being displaced from their homes.

In response, the city has been working closely with St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and Thrift Shoppe of Derby, which immediately assisted the affected families by providing access to food, clothing and other essential items, Garofalo said.

According to Garofalo, St. Vincent de Paul will continue to support these families as they address their ongoing needs, and the city has also coordinated with Valley United Way to establish a secure mechanism for financial donations.

"Through the generosity of Valley United Way, 100 percent of all funds donated through this effort will be distributed directly to the displaced families," Garofalo said in an email.

The fundraiser's description describes the weekend blaze as "a devastating three-alarm structure fire" that displaced multiple families and left the residential building a total loss.

"Fire crews from Derby and surrounding towns battled extreme cold and frozen hydrants to contain the blaze, safely evacuating residents while one firefighter was treated for hypothermia," the description reads.

Donations made to the fundraiser will go directly to supporting the families affected by the fire "with temporary housing, essential needs and the long road to recovery," according to the description.

"Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and shows that our community stands together in times of crisis," the description reads.

Residents who wish to make a financial contribution can do so here.

"While immediate needs for clothing and household items are currently being met, continued support is critical in the weeks ahead," the city's email reads. "The city encourages residents to consider donating to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and Thrift Shoppe or providing financial support to Valley United Way, both of which play an essential role in assisting individuals and families throughout Derby and the greater Valley region."

Garofalo said the city respectfully requests the community's help in supporting the families affected by the Derby Avenue fire.

"Donations of any amount are appreciated and will help ensure these families receive the support they need during their recovery," the email reads. "Thank you for your continued compassion and commitment to our community. Together, we remain Derby Strong."

In a news release, the Derby Fire Department said crews were called to 23 Derby Avenue around 6 a.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire with flames showing through the roof and possible residents trapped.

When crews arrived, they found heavy fire conditions with flames through the roof. All residents of the building were confirmed to be accounted for, fire officials said.

"Due to the close proximity of multiple exposure buildings, operations were extended to protect surrounding structures," fire officials said in a news release. "In one exposure building, multiple occupants were evacuated."

Two residents and one firefighter were taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to fire officials.

Fire officials also noted initial operations were challenged by frozen hydrants, resulting in a temporary delay in establishing a sustained water supply.

"Due to limited water availability, a tanker task force was called for and exterior fire operations were implemented," fire officials said. "A reliable water supply was later established with assistance from mutual aid resources."

The fire was extinguished around 10 a.m., and Route 34 was closed to traffic for an extended period of time while crews worked to put out the blaze, according to the department.

The Derby Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire, officials said.