February 12, 2026 — At 3:19 p.m., Bethel Police received a report of a house fire on Juniper Road, prompting an immediate response from the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire on the second floor extending out the rear of the structure and into the overhang, with fire spreading into the attic space. Four adults and two children safely evacuated the home prior to crews’ arrival, and firefighters successfully rescued the family cat. A second alarm was quickly transmitted for a working house fire as crews initiated an aggressive interior attack and primary search. Four hose lines were placed into operation while Stony Hill Fire Department’s Truck 4 extended an aerial ladder to the roof for ventilation. Ground ladders were positioned at the rear of the building to assist with additional ventilation efforts, and two nearby hydrants were utilized to secure a steady water supply. Approximately 40 firefighters and EMTs from Bethel and Stony Hill operated at the scene, with an additional 15 members covering both stations. Mutual aid was provided by Redding, Dodgingtown, Botsford, Hawleyville, Brookfield, the City of Danbury Career Department, and two Danbury volunteer companies. Firefighters worked for roughly two and a half hours, achieving initial knockdown within 20 minutes and placing the fire under control approximately one hour into the operation before conducting extensive overhaul to locate hidden hotspots. No injuries were reported, and the displaced occupants were referred to the American Red Cross as the residence was deemed uninhabitable.