The Stratford Fire Department responded to several 911 calls reporting smoke and fire between 120 and 130 Boswell Avenue at around 2:50 p.m. on May 5.

As soon as they arrived, firefighters started searching both houses while colleagues worked to put out the fire. According to officials, as the fire spread into a nearby home, the first chief officer to arrive took over and asked for a third alarm. Chief officers from the Bridgeport and Milford fire departments, as well as mutual aid companies, responded to the extra alarm to help with the concurrent building fires.

In around 35 minutes, the fire was contained. The second house was empty when the tragedy occurred, however one resident and their pets were safely evacuated.

The cause of the fire is being looked into by the Stratford Fire Marshal's Office. Stratford EMS helped at the location, while the Shelton and Trumbull fire departments covered the stations during the incident.

Additionally, officials advised homeowners to practice house escape plans, keep their smoke detectors in working order, and dial 911 right away if they see smoke or a fire.