Stamford, CT – The Stamford Fire Department is reminding all residents of the critical importance of having multiple working smoke alarms throughout their homes following a fatal residential fire on Woodmere Road on May 8, 2026.

At 4:21 a.m., the Stamford 911 Center began receiving calls reporting a fire at 108 Woodmere Road. Firefighters were dispatched at 4:22 a.m., and the first arriving engine company was on scene just four minutes later at 4:26 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a rapidly developing fire in a 1½-story residential structure with heavy fire showing from the front of the home. The incident was immediately declared a working fire.

While one resident tragically lost their life in the fire, working smoke alarms inside the home activated and alerted other occupants to the danger. Two residents were awakened by the alarms and were able to escape the rapidly growing fire before conditions became unsurvivable.

“This incident demonstrates exactly why working smoke alarms are so important,” said Stamford Fire Chief Robert Morris. “The fire was advancing rapidly when firefighters arrived. The activation of smoke alarms provided critical early warning that allowed occupants to escape and undoubtedly saved lives.”

National fire statistics consistently show that people are significantly more likely to survive a home fire when working smoke alarms are present. Early warning is particularly important during overnight hours when occupants are asleep and may not otherwise detect a fire until it is too late.

The Stamford Fire Department recommends that every home have smoke alarms installed:

• Inside every sleeping room
• Outside each separate sleeping area
• On every level of the home, including basements
• Tested monthly to ensure proper operation
• With batteries replaced as recommended by the manufacturer

TO GET YOUR FREE SMOKE DETECTOR INSTALLED CALL:
(203) 977-5500
Or visit:
www.stamfordfire.com/smoke-and-or-carbon-monoxide-detector-installation-appointment-request/

The fire also highlights the importance of a rapid and coordinated emergency response.

The initial structural fire assignment brought three Engine Companies, one Truck Company, one Rescue Company, a Rapid Intervention Team, and an Incident Commander to the scene. In total, 26 firefighters responded and were operating at the incident within minutes of dispatch.

Engine companies established water supplies and advanced hoselines to attack the fire. The Truck Company supported ventilation and access operations. The Rescue Company conducted searches for victims, while the Rapid Intervention Team stood by exclusively for firefighter safety and emergency rescue operations if needed.

Firefighters quickly entered the structure under heavy fire conditions and aggressively attacked the fire while simultaneously searching for occupants. Through these efforts, the main body of the fire was knocked down approximately nine minutes after the first engine arrived on scene, preventing further extension of the fire and limiting damage to the structure.

Additional personnel responded following the working fire declaration, including administrative fire chiefs, members of the Fire Marshal Division, personnel from the Mechanical Division, Stamford Police Department officers, Stamford EMS personnel, and other support resources.

Following extinguishment, investigators from the Stamford Fire Marshal Division, Stamford Police Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Arson Task Force conducted a thorough investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.

The Stamford Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim and encourages all residents to use this tragedy as a reminder to check their smoke alarms today.

Smoke alarms cannot prevent a fire from occurring, but they can provide the precious seconds needed to escape. Those seconds often make the difference between life and death.

Incident Details (if applicable):

Incident Number:
Incident Location:
Incident Date:

CONTACT INFO:

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

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