80 People Displaced After Massive Apartment Fire in Danbury

According to a release from the City of Danbury, dozens of firefighters from across the region responded to a major apartment fire Thursday afternoon that forced approximately 80 people from their homes and sent several people to the hospital.

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The first 911 calls started coming into the Danbury Communications Center just after 4:10 p.m., with callers reporting a fire at an apartment complex. Because the initial reports listed different locations, dispatchers had to sort through conflicting information before firefighters arrived and found a rapidly growing blaze. The situation escalated quickly, prompting a second alarm that brought in additional crews.

City of Danbury

One of the most dramatic moments came when firefighters learned a resident was trapped on a smoke-filled balcony. Using a ground ladder, crews were able to reach the man and bring him to safety. He was treated by EMS before being transported to Danbury Hospital.

City of Danbury

In total, around 60 firefighters and support personnel from Danbury, Brookfield, and Stony Hill battled the fire for roughly two hours before getting it under control shortly after 6 p.m. While crews were working inside the building, part of the structure suffered what's known as a three-floor pancake collapse, creating an even more dangerous situation for first responders.

City of Danbury

Three civilians were taken to Danbury Hospital for treatment, along with one firefighter who was transported as a precaution for evaluation. Firefighters also rescued a dog from the building. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital in Newtown for medical care.

City of Danbury

While Danbury crews were tied up at the scene, firefighters from Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Newtown provided mutual aid coverage throughout the rest of the city.

City of Danbury

The American Red Cross is now assisting approximately 80 displaced residents as they work through the aftermath. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal's Office.