STAMFORD, Conn. – Three residents and their dog escaped safely from a burning North Stamford home early Monday as firefighters battled flames that spread from the rear of the house into the attic, according to the Stamford Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched to 91 Chestnut Hill Road following a 911 call at approximately 3:02 a.m. A resident reported that the home was on fire and another family member was still inside, while the caller was attempting to help that person escape.
When Engine Company 8 arrived, firefighters encountered heavy flames involving a screened porch, kitchen and family room at the rear of the 1½-story home. Fire had already extended into the attic, and heavy smoke was spreading throughout the residence.
Firefighters Attack Flames From Outside and Inside Home
Engine 8 deployed a large-caliber hose line to knock down the exterior flames and direct water into the attic soffit area.
The second arriving crew, Engine Company 9, stretched another hose line through the front door. Those firefighters attacked the remaining flames in the first-floor kitchen and family room.
Because the fire occurred in a rural section of Stamford, crews could not rely on a conventional hydrant operation at the scene.
- All three residents and the family’s dog escaped without reported injuries.
- Firefighters brought the blaze under control within 54 minutes despite heavy fire extending into the attic.
- The home suffered extensive fire, smoke and water damage, and investigators have not determined what started the blaze.
A tanker operation was established to keep water flowing to firefighters. Portable pools were set up and replenished by tankers arriving from multiple departments.
The Turn of River and Long Ridge volunteer fire departments supplied tankers, while mutual-aid crews from Banksville, Pound Ridge and New Canaan also assisted with the water operation.
Was anyone injured in the Stamford house fire?
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Three residents and their dog safely escaped the home before conditions inside deteriorated further.
Crews Search Burning Home as Smoke Conditions Worsen
With the initial 911 caller reporting that another family member remained inside, ensuring everyone had escaped was a critical part of the response.
Rescue Company 1 and Engine Company 7 conducted primary and secondary searches. Firefighters ultimately confirmed that everyone, including the family’s dog, had made it out safely before smoke and fire conditions inside the house became worse.
Truck Company 1 then conducted overhaul operations in the kitchen, family room and attic. Crews checked those areas to make sure flames had not spread into additional concealed spaces.
The fire was declared under control within 54 minutes.
Despite the successful evacuation, the house sustained heavy damage from fire, smoke and water.
The American Red Cross was requested to assist the three displaced residents and their pet following the fire.
Why were tanker trucks needed to fight the fire?
The Stamford Fire Department said crews used a tanker operation because the house is located in a rural portion of Stamford. Portable pools and tankers supplied a continuous source of water for firefighters battling the blaze.
Multiple Departments Join Early-Morning Fire Response
The response ultimately involved five engine companies, a heavy rescue company, a truck company and multiple tanker crews.
In addition to Stamford firefighters, tankers responded from the Turn of River, Long Ridge, Banksville, Pound Ridge and New Canaan fire departments.
The North District deputy chief and on-duty shift commander also responded. Additional assistance came from the Stamford Fire Department Mechanical Division, Safety Officer, Fire Marshal’s Office and Stamford Emergency Medical Services.
Investigators are now working to determine how the fire started.
What caused the fire at 91 Chestnut Hill Road?
The cause and origin had not been determined Monday morning. The Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
The Stamford Fire Department has not reported any civilian or firefighter injuries from the blaze.
Sources: Stamford Fire Department
