Crime & Safety

Fairfield FD Responds to Westport Church Fire

Sixty-three firefighters from Westport, Fairfield, and four other towns responded to the structure fire at Saugatuck Congregational Church Sunday night.

 

Shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday evening, the received a call for an automatic fire alarm at the

"I used to be a firefighter, and I've never seen flames that big," said downtown Westport resident Sal Liccione. "The flames were as high as the steeple."

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

First arriving units found a heavy smoke condition and fire in the back of the church. Additional resources were immediately requested from Norwalk and Fairfield, Assistant Chief Larry Conklin said in a statement today.

Firefighters entered the building and encountered a fast moving, heavy body of fire in the rear portion of the church. Fire conditions quickly deteriorated and crews were forced from the building. Westport’s Ladder Truck-1 along with Norwalk’s Truck-2 began an exterior attack protecting the sanctuary portion of the building, Conklin said. 

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"When you walked around the back, it was a heavy fire, a lot of smoke," Liccione said. "I was worried about the firefighters."

An additional Ladder Company from Fairfield was requested to protect the sanctuary and steeple area of the church, as well as two Engines from Norwalk, a hose wagon from Weston,  a fourth Ladder Tower form Wilton, and a mobile air truck from the town of Trumbull. 

All Westport Fire Department units responded to the scene, along with a Ladder, Truck, Engine Company, and Assistant Chief from Fairfield.  A Ladder Truck and 2 Engines from Norwalk, a Ladder truck from Wilton, an Engine from Weston, and a Mobile Breathing unit from Trumbull.  Fairfield provided coverage at Westport Fire Headquarters with one of it’s Engine Companies, according to Conklin.

A total of 63 firefighters from six towns responded to the fire and was placed under control at about 3:45 a.m. this morning. The fire remains under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office, , and State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The turkeys for the annual community Thanksgiving held at Saugatuck Church were dropped off before the blaze erupted. 

"I really feel bad for the community, but hopefully we will pull together because usually around 350 people show up for their community Thanksgiving," Liccione said.

The living area of the church and attached buildings are 16,722 square feet. The main Church was built in 1832.

"It is pretty shocking to be a downtown resident and lose a church like that," Liccione says. "I want to praise all of the fire companies that helped."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.