Fairfield Firefighters Battle Hidden Roof Fire At Local Restaurant: FD

FAIRFIELD, CT — A fire caused by roofing work broke out Sunday afternoon at the SHU Restaurant on the Post Road in Fairfield, prompting a rapid response from Fairfield firefighters and resulting in limited damage, officials wrote on Facebook.

The blaze was called in at about 12:11 p.m. by an employee who saw smoke inside the restaurant at 1795 Post Road. The caller said the smoke appeared to be connected to ongoing roofing repairs.

Firefighters arrived within five minutes and found that the fire was concealed in the ceiling space between roof joists, making it difficult to locate initially. Crews eventually identified a small fire above the bar area of the single-story building.

Interior firefighting teams worked alongside ladder and rescue crews, who cut into the roof and ceiling to expose the hidden fire. Hose lines were deployed both inside the restaurant and on the roof to extinguish remaining hot spots.

Fire officials said the fire was quickly contained, preventing major structural damage. An estimated $400,000 in property was saved, while damage from the fire was estimated at about $25,000. The building was constructed in 1949.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury while fighting the fire, and was treated at the scene. All occupants evacuated safely, and no other injuries were reported.

An investigation by the Fairfield Fire Prevention Division, assisted by the town’s building inspector, determined the fire started when a torch was used during roofing repairs. A health inspector was called to the scene, and Fairfield police handled traffic control. Fire departments from Bridgeport and Westport provided coverage at Fairfield fire stations during the incident.

"The quick action of the occupant in calling 911, combined with the rapid response and efficient firefighting efforts, significantly limited fire damage and should allow SHU Restaurant to reopen in the near future," said Assistant Fire Chief Erik Kalapir.