Quick-Thinking Neighbor, Homeowner Contain Early Morning Fire In Newtown

NEWTOWN, CT — A neighbor’s quick action and a homeowner’s fast response helped contain a fire that broke out early Sunday morning at a Newtown residence, according to Botsford Fire Rescue.

Firefighters were dispatched on Oct. 12 to a report of a brush fire close to a house. Within a minute, the call was upgraded to a structure fire, prompting all Newtown fire companies to respond.

Officials said an “observant and astute neighbor” saw flames on the side of the home and alerted the resident. The homeowner began dousing the fire with a garden hose, managing to knock it down before firefighters arrived.

Crews performed minor overhaul at the scene and confirmed that the flames had not spread inside the structure. The Newtown Fire Marshal investigated and determined the cause was accidental — traced to fireplace embers that had been discarded while still hot.

Botsford Fire Rescue reminded residents to use caution when disposing of ashes or fireplace debris, noting that such incidents can easily reignite even hours after disposal.