Snowplow Catches Fire In Fairfield After Winter Storm

FAIRFIELD, CT — A snowplow caught fire after Sunday’s winter storm in Fairfield.

The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on Sasco Hill Road, when a drain of the vehicle's electrical system sparked a fire in the engine, according to Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood.

No one was hurt, but the engine compartment of the vehicle — a pick-up truck with a plow attachment — was a total loss, said Sherwood, who clarified the vehicle was being driven by a private contractor and was not part of the town fleet.

The fire was one of many things to keep the department busy Sunday, when up to 9 inches of snow fell in parts of Fairfield, according to reports published by the National Weather Service.

“We did have a busy day today,” Sherwood said Sunday evening, noting that in addition to the plow fire and an apartment fire earlier in the day, the department responded to several calls for medical assistance.

As of about 7 p.m., Sherwood was unaware of any road closures caused by the storm.

“The DPW crews are doing an amazing job keeping the roads open,” he said. “They are always the unsung heroes in these kinds of situations.”

The fire department had been notified about a few minor traffic accidents Sunday, but there were no major crashes, according to Sherwood. Fairfield police Lt. Antonio Granata confirmed no roads were closed, and said law enforcement responded to 10 weather-related accidents, none of which resulted in injuries.

Fairfield schools will start two hours later than usual Monday due to the snow.

So far, February has not been shy about bringing the winter weather. Sunday’s storm comes less than a week after over a foot of snow fell Feb. 1 in the area.

Don’t put away the shovels yet. Fairfield is forecast to receive up to 2 inches of snow and sleet Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.