At 10:53hrs on Monday, March 24th, the full assignment consisting of Engine Co. 2, Engine Co. 5, Engine Co. 1 (RIT) Truck Co. 2, Truck Co. 1, Rescue Co. 2, and Car 2 (Shift Commander) was dispatched to a reported house fire at 2 Morton Street in Station 2’s first due response area. A large column was visible as NFD companies were en-route prompting a 2nd alarm to be transmitted prior to arrival, adding Engine Co. 3 to the assignment.

First due companies from Station 2 arrived to find a heavy volume of fire showing from a 2.5 story private dwelling. Norwalk Professional Firefighters attempted an aggressive interior attack and encountered heavy fire and significant clutter conditions throughout the structure.

For safety reasons the decision was made to remove all members from the structure and move to a defensive operation as the 3rd alarm was sounded which added Engine Co. 4 to the scene once they cleared from an EMS run.

A collapse zone was set up as multiple handlines and an elevated master stream (ladder pipe) were utilized for over an hour to bring the fire under control. All 34 on-duty NFD Local 830 Firefighters staffing 5 Engine Companies, 2 Truck Companies, a Heavy Rescue Company, and Shift Commander along with numerous support personnel operated on scene.

An emergency demolition of the dwelling was required due to the stability of the structure being comprised.

No injures were reported to civilians or firefighters. The Red Cross is assisting those that have been displaced. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the NFD Fire Marshals Division.

The following mutual aid departments provided in-station coverage for the City of Norwalk and responded to multiple calls for service during this incident.
NFD Station 1: Town of New Canaan Professional Firefighters 3224
NFD Station 2: City of Stamford Professional Firefighters 786
NFD Station 4: Town of Westport Professional Firefighters 1081.
NFD Station 5: Rowayton Fire Department

***Please note: Some photos are courtesy of Sayje Benjamin***