Fire On Roof Of Smyth Building Injures Firefighter: Stamford FD

STAMFORD, CT — A two-alarm fire broke out on the roof of the Smyth Building in downtown Stamford on Friday morning, injuring one firefighter. The firefighter was evaluated by Stamford Emergency Medical Services, and did not need transport to the hospital. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Friday, Stamford Fire Department units were dispatched to the building, which is under construction, on a report of black smoke coming from the roof. According to a news release from the department, some fire units which were already on the road coming back from a false alarm in the Shippan section, saw the smoke and immediately headed to the area.

"Approximately 12 workers were on scaffolding on the exterior of the building in the area directly underneath the fire but were all able to lower themselves to lower floors and self-rescue," the Stamford Fire Department said in a news release. "Arriving Fire Department units were faced with a daunting task in order to reach the area due to the state of construction and the limited access to the entire property."

Units made it up to the roof of the building where they found a fire in a large concrete trench that is used for plantings, the fire department said. Construction crews in the area at the time were able to empty 18 dry chemical fire extinguishers on the fire, and when they ran out of material, they shoveled dirt onto the flames.

Since the building was under construction, fire control systems were incomplete, which the department said "hampered firefighting operations."

Eventually, firefighters were able to get an adequate water supply to the roof to extinguish the flames and prevent them from spreading beyond the impacted area.

Stamford EMS supplied three ambulances and a supervisor to stand-by the scene due to the danger of operating in an unfinished high-rise building.

Five engines, two trucks, one rescue, one Deputy Chief/Shift Commander and numerous support and command staff totalling 41 firefighters comprised the two-alarm response.

The Stamford Police Department provided assistance and closed Bell Street, the northbound lanes of Washington Boulevard, and the westbound lanes of Tresser Boulevard. Motorists were advised to avoid the area throughout the day on Friday.

According to the Stamford Advocate, the 16-story building has been under construction since 2019.