Early Morning House Fire In Newtown Causes Heavy Damage

NEWTOWN, CT — A predawn house fire in Newtown caused heavy damage but no injuries, fire officials said.

According to Botsford Fire Rescue, all Newtown fire companies were dispatched at 5:46 a.m. Sunday to a reported residential fire in the first-due district of Dodgingtown Fire. The initial call was received as an automatic fire alarm activation, but a follow-up report from the alarm company indicated there was an active fire inside the home.

The first arriving unit confirmed a working structure fire, with flames visible through the roof on one side of the house. Firefighters also encountered large outdoor propane tanks that were releasing gas and an exposure concern on one side of the structure.

Crews stretched multiple hose lines to attack the fire and protect nearby exposures. One engine initially supplied water to the primary truck before exhausting its tank. Firefighters later established a water supply from a portable pond after a mechanical issue affected another engine.

Mutual aid tankers responded from Stepney Fire, Bethel Fire & EMS, and Stony Hill Fire. Stepney firefighters also utilized a dry hydrant to refill tankers and provided station coverage for Newtown crews during the incident.

Fire officials said the house sustained heavy damage, though the garage and vehicles were saved. The master bedroom had smoke damage. All residents and pets were able to escape safely, and no firefighter injuries were reported.

Temperatures were about 12 degrees at the time of dispatch, creating icy conditions that added hazards for responders. Live power lines also fell from the home onto firefighting apparatus and hose lines, posing an additional risk until utility crews were able to shut off power.

Fire officials thanked the assisting mutual aid departments for their support during the incident.