ID Released In Fatal Barn Fire In Branford, Investigation Continues

BRANFORD, CT — Stevens Baird, 69, of Branford, is the man identified as having lost his life in a barn fire Thursday night, police said.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr. Baird’s family and friends during this very difficult time," police said. "We kindly ask everyone to respect their privacy as they grieve this loss."

The fire remains under investigation by Branford Police and Fire Department personnel, with the assistance of the CT State Medical Examiner’s Office and the CT State Police Fire Investigations Unit. At this time, further information is not available due to the ongoing investigation.

If anyone has information related to this incident, please contact Det. Marc Andrew of the Branford Police Department at 203-481-4241 ext. 4292.

Original story:

Called to a North Ivy Street barn on fire Thursday night at around 6:30 p.m., once the blaze was extinguished, during a search of the structure, Branford firefighters discovered a body, Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney said.

Now, Mahoney said, Branford's fire marshal is "working with the Connecticut State Police fire investigation unit to determine the cause and origin."

Mahoney said Branford Police Department detective are working with the state police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause, and manner, of death.

According to Mahoney, at 6:22 p.m., a 911 call was received reporting a barn on fire at 155 North Ivy St., adjacent to unit #24.

"The Fire Department was immediately dispatched, and while on route, multiple additional calls were received reporting the fire was spreading to additional buildings," fire officials said. "It was also reported that one person was missing and may be in the involved barn."

When firefighters arrived they found a 12-foot by 20-foot "barn style shed fully involved in fire spreading to the adjacent unit."

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, Mahoney said, and following, "during a search of the barn, a deceased individual was located."

This post will be updated as new information is received.