Branford, CT — At 12:48 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Branford Fire Department was called to 4 Hopson Avenue following reports of black smoke coming from the first floor of a two-family home.

Just minutes earlier, Branford Police and a Branford Fire Department ambulance had been dispatched to the same address for a medical emergency. Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke pouring from the building and immediately requested fire units while evacuating residents.

The incident commander struck a working fire assignment as firefighters advanced hose lines and initiated an interior attack. Crews quickly traced the blaze to a cooking fire that had spread to nearby cabinets and the ceiling. Firefighters contained the fire to the kitchen area, preventing it from consuming more of the residence, while simultaneously conducting a search for occupants and pets.

Thanks to their swift actions, all second-floor tenants were able to safely return home, and no injuries were reported.

The Guilford Fire Department was dispatched as a Rapid Intervention Team but was soon released, while the East Haven Fire Department covered Branford stations during the incident. All units cleared the scene by 1:56 p.m.

Fire Marshal Robert Dobuzinsky is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains under review. The Branford Fire Department praised the coordinated efforts of police, EMS, and fire personnel that ensured both occupant safety and minimal property damage.