Home Significantly Damaged, Family Displaced After Fire In Branford: Officials

BRANFORD, CT — A home was significantly damaged during a fire early Friday morning in Branford, according to officials.

Multiple 911 calls reported a structure fire in the 200 block of Thimble Island Road around 1:25 a.m. on Dec. 26, according to officials.

Officials said callers reported visible flames coming through the roof of the residence.

Crews arrived at 1:35 a.m. and confirmed an active fire in a 2½-story, wood-framed, single-family home, according to officials.

“Fire was heavily involved in the roof structure upon arrival,” officials wrote in a news release. “Engine 5 initiated an aggressive interior attack; however, crews were forced to withdraw due to the fire's volume and intensity.

“Firefighters transitioned to an exterior attack to protect nearby exposures and darken down the main body of fire. Once the majority of the fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the structure to complete extinguishment operations. The fire extended into void spaces within the home, creating additional challenges for firefighters attempting to access and fully extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours.”

The occupants of the home were alerted by working smoke detectors and were able to immediately evacuate the residence without injury, according to officials.

“The Branford Fire Department would like to emphasize the critical importance of properly installed and functioning smoke detectors,” officials wrote. “Early detection provided the occupants with the vital time needed to safely escape the home before conditions worsened.”

One firefighter was treated at the scene for injuries that officials said were minor.

The home sustained significant damage and is not considered habitable, according to officials.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Branford Fire Marshal’s Office.

“The Branford Fire Department extends its sincere condolences to the family for their loss, especially during the holiday season,” officials wrote. “Our thoughts are with them as they navigate this difficult time.

“The Branford Fire Department would like to thank the Guilford Fire Department for assisting with fire suppression and the East Haven Fire Department for providing station coverage while crews were committed at the scene. Appreciation is also extended to the Branford Police Department for traffic control and to Branford Public Works for addressing icy road conditions resulting from fire operations.”

For photos of the fire, visit the Branford Fire Department’s Facebook page here.