The Stamford Fire Department responded to a large commercial fire at the Stamford Transfer Station located at 105 Harbor View Avenue shortly before 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Initial dispatches began at approximately 2:48 p.m. after multiple callers reported heavy black smoke and visible flames coming from the facility.

First arriving fire companies reported heavy smoke emitting from several openings on all sides of the building. A large volume of orange fire was visible in a rear corner of the transfer station. Firefighters encountered large piles of burning trash, estimated to be more than eight feet high, creating a stubborn and extremely hot fire that required extensive overhaul operations.

Due to the prolonged operation and the effects of mid-to-late afternoon heat on firefighters, command staff began rotating career fire companies from throughout the city into the suppression effort after several hours on scene. Firefighters also worked through several thunderstorm cells that moved through the Stamford area during the late afternoon and evening hours.

The fire continued to smolder into the night. As of midnight, a single engine company remained on scene working with Stamford Public Works personnel to move smoldering debris and continue extinguishment operations.

A total of nine fire engine companies, two ladder truck companies, one rescue company, safety officers, EMS supervisors, and command staff operated at various points throughout the incident. Units remained committed to the scene for many hours, with some apparatus not clearing until nearly midnight.

Public Works personnel assisted firefighters throughout the incident by using heavy equipment to overhaul and separate large piles of burning trash. Public Works crews also acted quickly to remove trucks stored in the garage area beneath the transfer station work area once the severity of the fire became apparent.

Stamford EMS maintained several units on scene during the extended operation and established a firefighter rehabilitation area. An air-conditioned office space provided by Public Works gave firefighters relief from the extreme heat conditions.

Two Stamford firefighters and one Public Works employee were evaluated by EMS personnel during the incident. One firefighter suffered a knee injury and was transported to Stamford Hospital for treatment. The firefighter was later treated and released.

Stamford Police assisted with traffic control and road closures along Harbor View Avenue and surrounding streets throughout the operation.

Smoke from the fire could be seen and smelled throughout portions of downtown Stamford for several hours. Additional reports of smoke odors in nearby buildings were later determined to be related to smoke drifting from the transfer station fire.

The Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and is working with facility management to assess any structural damage caused by the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Due to concerns regarding runoff from firefighting operations, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), and the Stamford Harbor Master were all notified during the incident.

The Stamford Fire Department Mechanical Division also provided logistical and apparatus support throughout the extended operation.

The incident remained active for more than nine hours as firefighters continued overhaul operations and extinguished deeply seated hot spots within the massive trash piles.

Incident Details (if applicable):

Incident Number: 26-05115
Incident Location: 105 Harbor View Ave
Incident Date: 2026-05-20 14:50:00.0

CONTACT INFO:

Deputy Fire Chief / PIO Philip Hayes
(203) 977-5600

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