Several Pets Killed In Fire At Stamford Home: Stamford FD

STAMFORD, CT — Several pets were killed and four residents were displaced in a two-alarm blaze that broke out in a Stamford home during frigid temperatures over the weekend, according to fire officials.

At 9:01 p.m. on Jan. 24, the Stamford Combined 911 and Communications Center received a call reporting that a home in the 160 block of Knickerbocker Avenue was filling with smoke.

Engine 7, operating out of the Springdale Fire Station, arrived first and reported smoke conditions in the area, though the source was not immediately obvious, the Stamford Fire Department said in a news release.

Upon entering the two-and-a-half-story home, firefighters confirmed an active fire within the structure that originated on the second floor. Crews stretched a hose line to the second floor and found heavy smoke conditions.

As the line was advanced to the third floor, firefighters faced high heat with limited ventilation options, the SFD said, and a working fire was declared at 9:09 p.m.

"Due to the extreme cold, physical demands of interior operations, and the need to rotate crews through rehabilitation, a second alarm was transmitted at 9:13 p.m. to replace companies exiting the structure," the SFD said. "Firefighters advancing the hose line to the third floor reported water on the fire at 9:15 p.m. Crews continued suppression operations and conducted overhaul as conditions improved. The fire was declared under control at 10:13 p.m.

Firefighters faced significant hazards from icing conditions caused by water runoff freezing almost immediately in the frigid temperatures, the SFD said. Ice accumulation around the structure, apparatus, and walking surfaces created dangerous conditions throughout the incident.

Stamford’s Mechanical Division responded with a salt and sanding truck and worked around the scene to reduce slipping hazards and improve firefighter safety.

A safety officer also responded and continuously assessed conditions related to the extreme cold and ice, the SFD noted.

One dog was reportedly removed from the home by occupants prior to the arrival of fire crews, according to the SFD.

The home sustained extensive smoke and water damage throughout.

"Please know that cold weather incidents place added strain on both emergency responders and equipment, and that preparation and caution are critical as winter storms approach," the SFD said.