NORWALK, CT — August 26, 2026 — Norwalk firefighters responded to a reported kitchen fire Wednesday morning at Building 17, 261 Ely Ave., with crews finding smoke showing from several third-floor windows.

At at 6:49 a.m., the call was received. When Engine 5, the first-due unit, arrived, they saw smoke coming from several third-floor windows on the building's front side.

While other teams examined the building, set up ladders, and carried out horizontal ventilation, firefighters extended a handline to the affected apartment and started putting out the fire.

Firefighters stretched a handline to the involved apartment and began fire suppression while additional crews searched the building, placed ladders and performed horizontal ventilation.

The fire was contained to the area of the stove, preventing extension beyond the kitchen area. The apartment sustained heavy smoke damage throughout.

Three occupants were displaced as a result of the fire. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The Norwalk Fire Marshal Division is investigating the cause.

For crews operating at apartment fires, the early search and ventilation operations were important parts of the response, particularly with smoke showing from multiple third-floor windows. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the stove area while completing a building search and ventilation operations.