Christmas Fire in Stamford Claims 5, including a Heritage Village Couple and Their Grandchildren

Stamford's emergency services and residents alike are shocked by the news of an early Christmas morning house fire that claimed the lives of a Southbury couple and three Shippan Ave. children.

"Five people perished in the fire; three children and their grandparents. The mother's parents," SPD's Sgt. Paul Guzda said about the 5 a.m. fire at 2267 Shippan Ave. "The mother survived, along with a male acquaintance."

The homeowner is Madonna Badger, whose parents, Lomar and Pauline Johnson, lived about an hour away in Southbury's Heritage Village.

An unidentified family member spoke to The New York Times, noting the Johnsons were to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary Monday.

They moved here from Kentucky to be closer to their grandchildren. 

Lomar Johnson had just completed a job to which he was particularly well-suited, the friend told the Times, as Santa Claus, complete with a jolly outlook and striking white beard.

Badger, a Stamford business owner, was taken to Stamford Hospital. She suffers no critical injuries.

"A neighbor was alerted to the fire when they heard screaming. They dialed 911," Guzda said.

According to Guzda, typical of any fire investigation, it was decided early on as to which local agency would lead the investigation.

"In this case, it was considered that the fire marshal be in charge of the investigation," Guzda said, personally naming Stamford assistant fire marshal  of Stamford Fire and Rescue.

Mayor Michael Pavia and Acting Chief Antonio Conte addressed the Shippan tragedy Sunday morning, according to a report by the Stamford Advocate.