Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: UPDATE McDermott Rd Precast Concrete Factory 'Gas-Fed Fire' Spread To Roof, Forced Firefighter Evacuation: FD

Also, don't miss Welcome to the Shoreline Men Over Sixty (SMOS) mtg on Jan 9, 2026 on the Branford Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Branford? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Overnight gas-fed fire at Branford concrete plant triggers major response
  • Head-on crash closes Route 1 in Branford, witnesses sought
  • What one Branford-area caregiver wishes more neighbors understood about dementia

Also on today's calendar: Welcome to the Shoreline Men Over Sixty (SMOS) mtg on Jan 9, 2026 and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: A bit of afternoon rain, with a high of 49 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Saturday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m., temps: high: 45, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 43 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• UPDATE McDermott Rd Precast Concrete Factory 'Gas-Fed Fire' Spread To Roof, Forced Firefighter Evacuation: FD (patch.com) — Overnight crews from Branford, Guilford, and North Branford battled a gas-fed fire that started in the boiler room at Blakeslee Prestress on McDermott Road and spread into the roof. Firefighters had to evacuate the building until the gas supply was shut off, then returned to extinguish multiple roof fires and secure 14 barrels of mineral oil impacted by the blaze. No injuries were reported, and state environmental officials were called in as the fire marshal continues investigating the cause.
   

• 2 Hospitalized, Road Closed After Head-On Crash In Branford: Police (patch.com) — A head-on collision on East Main Street in front of the Hornet’s Nest sent both drivers to local hospitals and shut down Route 1 between Mill Plain Road and Windmill Hill Road. Branford police are investigating the Wednesday evening crash and are asking anyone who witnessed it or has information to contact Officer Andre Coutu. The closure affects a key Branford corridor, impacting local traffic and commuters.
   

• On the long road of caregiving, lifelong CT friends reflect on the power of showing up (ctpublic.org) — A Connecticut caregiver from East Haven shares how her husband’s dementia diagnosis reshaped their retirement plans and daily life, including time he spent at Orchard House, a Branford adult day center. She and her longtime friend describe the emotional toll of slowly losing a loved one while still showing up every day. Their story highlights the isolation, costs, and quiet resilience behind family caregiving.
   

📸 Around Branford

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • East Shoreline Catholic Academy Hosts Open House Sunday, January 25 -- 11 am to 1 pm for PreK3 -Gr 6 Children —Deb Schwall Read on Patch
  • Coit J. Gladding obituary: (Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven) —Clancy Palumbo Funeral Home and Cremation Service Read on Patch
  • Found this in Facebook.
    Hoping the poor baby can find his family https://neighbors.ring.com/n/ZK5DPlosez (Nextdoor Brushy Plain Road)
  • Branford crews respond to a working fire at an industrial building on McDermott Road, with heavy smoke and fire reported.
    3:27AM on Jan 8: Branford, CT, fire reported at 25 McDermott Rd with heavy smoke and fire showing from two sides. (Nextdoor )
  • Howmet Aerospace, Inc. posted a job opening for Quality Manager in Branford. Apply here.
  • CHIPOTLE posted a job opening for Kitchen Leader in Branford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Branford here.

🗞 Nearby News

East Haven

  • 'Lifelong Democrat' Karen Martin Announces Campaign for State Representative Challenging Incumbent (patch.com)

North Branford

  • Northford's John Calamita, Longtime Public Works Employee, Beloved Community Member Passes Away (patch.com)

Guilford

Ok Branford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I really dig you!
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