The Danbury Fire Department was alerted to a fire alarm at 72 Newtown Road, the former Stop & Shop building, at 10:32 p.m. on December 27, 2025, by the Danbury 911 Dispatch Centre. Engine 24, led by Lt. Jason Biroscak, identified a working fire in a matter of minutes, leading to an upgrade to a full first-alarm assignment.

Fire was discovered by crews in a sizable walk-in refrigerator section that had spread into the roofing system of the structure. Aerial ladder companies from the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company and the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company were sent in due to the structure's size and potential for fire spread. Later, Bernie Meehan, the deputy chief incident commander, raised a second alarm. Assistant Chief William Lounsbury and Chief Richard Thode also reacted. While firefighters advanced hose lines and finished overhaul, building sprinklers helped halt the spread of the fire. Danbury EMS offered medical standby and rehabilitation services. One firefighter was not transferred after suffering a small cut. On-site assistance was provided by Danbury Public Works, the Water Department, the Police, and Emergency Management. The Danbury Fire Marshal's Office is still looking into what caused the fire.