Second-Alarm Fire Damages Abandoned Danbury Factory

Approximately 50 firefighters responded to a second-alarm fire at an abandoned industrial building, where heavy fire conditions required defensive operations and assistance from several neighboring departments.

At approximately 12:20 a.m. on October 5, 2026, Danbury Fire Dispatch began receiving multiple calls reporting a large fire near 385 Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut. Responding Danbury Fire Department companies located the fire at 33 East Franklin Street, the site of the former Amphenol factory. First-arriving crews found an approximately 50-by-100-foot section of the vacant structure heavily involved.

Due to the extent of the fire and conditions at the property, Deputy Chief Schiller established a defensive operation and requested a second alarm. Additional apparatus and personnel responded from surrounding communities, including Bethel, Ridgefield, Brookfield, Stony Hill and New Milford. Bethel Fire Department supplied an additional ladder truck, while other mutual-aid companies assisted with fireground operations and station coverage.

Firefighters used master streams to attack the main body of fire and prevent further extension. The wooded portion of the property presented challenges for apparatus positioning and access. Danbury Fire Department's newly formed Drone Team provided aerial views of the incident, allowing Incident Command to assess fire conditions and help direct elevated streams into the involved structure.

Crews continued suppression operations for more than two hours before bringing the fire under control at approximately 2:40 a.m. Maple Avenue was temporarily closed during the response, and nearby residents were advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed because of heavy smoke in the area. Danbury EMS, the Office of Emergency Management and the Salvation Army also provided support during the incident.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal's Office. The incident required an extended regional response, with mutual-aid departments supporting both fireground operations and emergency coverage throughout the city.