Downtown Bethel Fire Closes Businesses, Displaces Families

BETHEL, CT — A three-alarm fire overnight Wednesday closed two local businesses and left nine families displaced downtown early Thursday morning, according to multiple reports including the News Times. The blaze sparked at 1 a.m. on Greenwood Avenue in a mixed use building that houses the Petri School of Irish Dancing.

One resident was transported to Danbury Hospital and then to the Bridgeport burn center. Fox 61 reports one firefighter was hospitalized for a cut on his hand and another due to smoke inhalation.

The Bethel Chamber of Commerce stated on Facebook said that donations for the local families and businesses will be collected.

The building includes six apartments and two businesses and is located across from the library on Greenwood Avenue. According to the American Red Cross, nine families including 11 adults and five children were displaced.

"Those affected will meet with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan," read a Red Cross statement. "The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and commitment of our volunteers."

The News Times further reported that three Bethel Police Officers found a handicapped man inside the burning building and carried him to safety

Greenwood Avenue re-opened after being closed for several hours, but firefighters are still working to assess the cause and the extent of the damage the blaze inflicted.

Image via the Stony Hill Fire Company.