Shed Fire Breaks Out Behind Popular Derby Pizzeria On Thanksgiving, Owners Claim It Was Arson

DERBY, CT — A shed fire broke out behind a popular pizzeria in Derby on Thanksgiving night and the owners claim their business was a target of arson.

In a news release posted to Facebook, the Derby Fire Department said crews were called to the area of Hawthorne Avenue and Talmadge Street around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a structure fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found a 10x10 shed on fire behind Roseland Apizza, fire officials said.

Crews stretched a hose line to the back of the building and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported, and crews remained in the area for about an hour for extended overhaul and to assist the Fire Marshal's Office with the investigation, fire officials said.

In a Facebook post Friday morning, the owners of Roseland Apizza claimed the pizzeria was a target of arson.

"Last night, while celebrating Thanksgiving with our families, our business was the target of arson," the post reads. "We are grateful to report that no one was injured. We extend our sincere thanks to the Derby Fire Department, the surrounding towns, and the bystanders who acted quickly—calling 911 and even using our exterior hose to help contain the fire before crews arrived."

The owners also thanked Derby police for their swift response during the incident.

A request for further information from the Derby Police Department was not immediately returned Friday afternoon.

The owners also noted the pizzeria would still open Friday at 3 p.m. as scheduled.

"We have much to be thankful for this year," the post reads. "Thanks to the quick actions of everyone involved, the situation was prevented from becoming far worse...Although we are shaken that this was an intentional act, we are safe and deeply appreciative of the support. Thank you, and God bless."

Roseland Apizza has garnered nationwide attention for being among the best pizzerias. In 2018, the Daily Meal in its 101 Best Pizzas in America list, concluded that the plain pie at the pizzeria was the 64th best in the United States.

Food & Wine Magazine states that Roseland Apizza is cited for its "giant" and "over-the-top" pies. And in 2019, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy visited Roseland Appiza for his famous pizza review and after taking his “one bite,” Portnoy said, “Good tang. Good sauce. Good crisp,” and “Real deal stuff.” After taking several more bites, Portnoy gave Roseland Apizza an 8.6.