At 13:38, the Stamford Combined 911 and Communications Center received a report of black smoke coming from a residence at 178 Montauk Drive. The home is a two story wood frame residential unit, attached to a neighboring unit that was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

Three engine companies, one truck company, one rescue company, a Rapid Intervention Team, and an Incident Command vehicle were initially dispatched.

Westside Engine 3 arrived first at 13:42 and confirmed a working fire. Firefighters reported flames and heavy smoke showing from the second floor. Occupants advised first arriving companies that one adult and three children were safely out of the home. They also reported that their dog was still inside.

Firefighters from Engine 3 advanced a 1 3/4 inch hose line to the second floor while firefighters from Truck 3 conducted a primary search to confirm all occupants were out and to locate the missing dog. The main body of fire was located in a front second floor bedroom and was knocked down within one to two minutes of the initial attack.

During the search, firefighters located the dog in a rear second floor bedroom. The dog was unresponsive and was immediately removed from the structure. Firefighters administered oxygen using a pet resuscitation mask designed specifically to fit over an animal’s muzzle. The dog began breathing but remained in serious condition with shallow respirations.

The pet resuscitation equipment is carried on Stamford fire apparatus and inspected regularly, though it is rarely needed. Stamford firefighters have gained recent experience using this life saving equipment. In September 2024, Stamford firefighters rescued 15 pets from a separate incident. All were transported and treated by Cornell Animal Hospital on Canal Street. In this incident, the dog was transported to the same facility and arrived breathing but still in serious condition.

A second alarm was requested at 13:47 due to concerns of fire extension into the attic and the severe cold weather conditions, which increase operational and safety challenges for firefighters.

The fire was declared under control at 14:22 by the Incident Commander.

The affected family was displaced due to fire and smoke damage. The American Red Cross was requested to assist with emergency housing. One adult and three children were relocated to a local hotel. The attached neighboring unit was unoccupied at the time of the fire and sustained minor damage.

Emergency Medical Services were on scene and available to assist with any injuries. The Stamford Mechanical Division responded with spare air cylinders and portable heaters. Eversource Gas and Eversource Electric secured utilities to the structure. A designated Safety Officer was assigned to the incident.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office.

Incident Details (if applicable):

Incident Number: 26-00801
Incident Location: 178 Montauk Dr STAMFORD, CT 06902
Incident Date: 2026-01-24 13:40:00.0

CONTACT INFO:

Deputy Fire Chief, Public Information Officer Philip Hayes
(203) 977-5600

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