Bronson Road Home ‘Secure’, Chemicals Being Tested

A Bronson Road home containing hundreds of weapons and large amounts of chemicals is being considered secure, after local, state and federal officials spent several days last week stabilizing the home and removing dangerous materials.

A chemist swept the home, at 1625 Bronson Road in Fairfield, on Thursday to take tests and identify the chemicals within the residence. Test results are expected at some point this week, and after the chemicals are identified emergency officials will determine if the products can remain in a residential environment, according to Fire Chief Richard Felner.

The DEEP has removed all flammable liquids and all unsealed chemicals. Chemicals that were sealed have yet to be removed but all the products within the home are considered stable and nothing is leaking, said Felner.

“We’ve been working all week to make sure we’re doing the right thing and taking all precautions,” he said.

If some or all of the chemicals are deemed dangerous for a residential setting, it will be the responsibility of the fire department and its hazardous material team to take them out of the home.

Homeowner Joseph Callahan, 65, of Fairfield, remains hospitalized and may face criminal charges after 274 guns, numerous pounds of ammunition and several explosives were removed from the home, according to Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy.

Lyddy described the explosive devices as larger than a firework, with explosive power above an M-80, but below a stick of dynamite. Of the guns that were seized, over 200 were long arm weapons, many were registered, and none of the guns were considered banned weapons.

State charges including manufacturing of explosive devices and possession of explosive devices may be levied against Callahan, according to Lyddy.