Firefighters Battle Large Trash Fire In Stamford For Hours: FD

STAMFORD, CT — Firefighters and other personnel battled a fire at the Stamford Transfer Station for most of Wednesday, as smoke lingered in the downtown Stamford area for several hours.

The Stamford Fire Department said it responded to the transfer station at 105 Harbor View Ave. shortly before 2:50 p.m. Multiple callers reported heavy black smoke and visible flames coming from the facility.

First arriving fire companies reported heavy smoke coming from several openings on all sides of the building, the SFD said in a news release.

"A large volume of orange fire was visible in a rear corner of the transfer station. Firefighters encountered large piles of burning trash, estimated to be more than 8 feet high, creating a stubborn and extremely hot fire that required extensive overhaul operations," the SFD said.

Command staff rotated career fire companies from throughout Stamford to the scene due to the high temperatures and the impact on crews suppressing the fire, the SFD noted.

Units also worked through several thunderstorms that moved through the area during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Stamford Public Works personnel brought in heavy equipment to overhaul and separate large piles of burning trash, according to the SFD. Public Works also quickly removed trucks stored in the garage area underneath the transfer station.

The fire continued to smolder into midnight on Thursday morning, the SFD said. One engine company remained on scene working with Public Works personnel to move smoldering debris and continue extinguishment, the SFD said.

Reports of smoky odors in nearby buildings were later determined to be related to smoke drifting from the transfer station fire.

Stamford EMS established a firefighter rehabilitation area, and an air-conditioned office space was provided by Public Works, which gave firefighters relief from the extreme heat, the SFD said.

Two Stamford firefighters and one Public Works employee were evaluated by EMS personnel during the call.

One firefighter suffered a knee injury and was taken to Stamford Hospital for treatment. The firefighter was later treated and released, the SFD noted.

Road closures were put in place along Harbor View Avenue and the surrounding streets.

The Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and was working with facility management to assess any structural damage caused by the fire, the SFD said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Additionally, due to concerns regarding runoff from firefighting operations, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Stamford Harbor Master were all notified during the incident.

The Stamford Fire Department Mechanical Division also provided logistical and apparatus support throughout the extended operation.