Residents Rescued From Apartment Fire: Stamford FD

The rescue operation took approximately one hour, Stamford fire officials said. Several residents were displaced.

By Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff

Apr 20, 2026 9:18 am EDT

STAMFORD, CT — Several residents were rescued from a Stamford apartment fire last Friday after a deck and stairway leading to the upper floors pulled away from the building, according to the Stamford Fire Department.

"This incident demonstrates the high level of training, coordination, and professionalism of our firefighters and partner agencies," said the Incident Commander and Deputy Fire Chief John Pritchard, in a news release. "Technical rescues require precision and teamwork, and today’s outcome reflects the dedication of everyone involved."

At approximately 6:45 p.m. on April 17, units were dispatched to the 30 block of Greenwich Avenue in Stamford on reports of a deck that collapsed , which stranded multiple residents inside, the SFD said in a news release.

Upon arrival, first responders found a deck and stairway leading to the upper floor apartments were away from the building and were not safe to use, the SFD said, noting it was reported that three of the four units served by the stairs were occupied.

Firefighters at the scene of a fire on April 17 on Greenwich Avenue in Stamford. (Courtesy of Stamford Fire Department)

Firefighters used a ground ladder to reach the second floor landing, which led to the four apartments where the residents were stranded, the SFD said.

Once firefighters were in contact with the stranded residents, a tower ladder was placed and set up to use to remove the occupants two at a time from the second and third floor apartments. A total of seven residents were removed this way, according to the SFD.

There were no injuries reported to the residents or fire personnel.

The rescue operation took approximately one hour, the SFD said.

The City of Stamford Building Department was called to the scene along with a representative from the Stamford Fire Marshal Division. The City of Stamford Health Department was also called to the scene.

Due to the hazards at the scene and the condition of the stairways, the city agencies condemned the eight apartments.

The displaced residents were provided temporary housing by the management company for the building, the SFD said.