On Saturday night, January 24, 2026, Stamford firefighters responded to a second two alarm structure fire during one of the coldest nights of the winter, as the city was preparing for a major snowstorm expected to bring more than a foot of snow to the area.  This was the second fire of the day.

At 9:01 pm, the Stamford Combined 911 and Communications Center received a call reporting that a residence at 160 Knickerbocker Avenue was filling with smoke.

An initial assignment of three Stamford Fire Department engines, a ladder truck, a heavy rescue, an Incident Command vehicle, a Rapid Intervention Team, and an engine company from the Springdale Fire Company was dispatched.

Engine 7, operating out of the Springdale Fire Station, arrived first and reported smoke conditions in the area, though the source was not immediately obvious. Upon entering the two and one half story residence, firefighters confirmed an active fire within the structure. Crews stretched a 1-3/4″ inch hose line to the second floor, where they encountered heavy smoke conditions. As the line was advanced to the third floor, firefighters faced high heat with limited ventilation options.

A working fire was declared at 9:09 pm.

Due to the extreme cold, physical demands of interior operations, and the need to rotate crews through rehabilitation, a second alarm was transmitted at 9:13 pm to replace companies exiting the structure.

Firefighters advancing the hose line to the third floor reported water on the fire at 9:15 pm. Crews continued suppression operations and conducted overhaul as conditions improved. The fire was declared under control at 10:13 pm.

Police assisted with traffic control and closed the intersection of Bennett Street and Knickerbocker Avenue due to a five inch supply line stretched across the roadway from the nearest hydrant.

Firefighters faced significant hazards from icing conditions caused by water runoff freezing almost immediately in the 12 degree temperatures. Ice accumulation around the structure, apparatus, and walking surfaces created dangerous conditions throughout the incident. Stamford’s Mechanical Division responded with a salt and sanding truck and worked around the scene to reduce slipping hazards and improve firefighter safety.

A Safety Officer responded and continuously assessed conditions related to the extreme cold and ice, which added risk to an already demanding operation.

Stamford EMS remained on scene as a precaution in the event of firefighter injury or medical emergency and was released once the incident was stabilized.

Tragically, several pets were lost as a result of the fire, including a cat. One dog was reportedly removed from the home by occupants prior to the arrival of fire crews. Four residents were displaced by the fire, which originated on the second floor. The home sustained extensive smoke and water damage throughout.

Please know that cold weather incidents place added strain on both emergency responders and equipment, and that preparation and caution are critical as winter storms approach.

Incident Details (if applicable):

Incident Number: 26-00823
Incident Location: 160 Knickerbocker Ave STAMFORD, CT 06907
Incident Date: 2026-01-25 21:00:00.0

CONTACT INFO:

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

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