Fire Ravages Fairfield Auto Repair Shop, Leaving Several Cars in Ruin
On November 20th, at 13:26 hrs the Fairfield Regional Dispatch Center received multiple calls for a structure fire at 705 Kings Highway East. Engines 4, 3, 5, 1, Rescue 1, and Car 33 were immediately dispatched. Engine 4, under the command of Lt. Robb Delmhorst arrived on scene one minute later at 13:27 hours and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a one-story auto repair shop.
Car 33, under the command of Assistant Chief Roger Caisse, arrived shortly after and confirmed the report of Engine 4 and assumed command of the incident.
Engine 2, Ladder 2, Car 3, and Car 5 were immediately recalled from providing mutual aid in Bridgeport at another 2-alarm structure fire and responded directly to the scene.
Fairfield Car 1 and 2 responded directly to the scene.
A primary search of the structure determined all of the occupants had safely evacuated.
Units battled a stubborn interior fire involving multiple automobiles under repair in the occupied repair shop. The fire quickly extended to a second-floor storage area and into the roof area. Crews cut a vent hole in the roof to gain better access as the fire continued to grow. Crews were removed from the structure to a defensive posture due to concerns for a potential roof failure and collapse.
Bridgeport Fire was called for mutual aid to the scene and provided an Engine, Ladder, and an additional Battalion Chief to assist with extinguishment. The fire was brought under control at 15:31 hours.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. He was treated and released back to duty.
The building suffered significant damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fairfield Fire Marshal’s office.
American Medical Response provided a medical stand-by at the incident. Norwalk and Stratford Fire Departments provided station coverage for the duration of the incident.
The last Fire unit cleared the scene at 20:01 hour.
Photos courtesy of Fairfield Fire Department
