Multiple fire companies battle blaze at Bethel commercial strip mall

BETHEL — Multiple fire companies were at the scene of a blaze at a commercial strip mall on Greenwood Avenue that was called in around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, town officials confirmed. 

First Selectman Dan Carter said no one was injured and an investigation will take place on how the fire started. 

Firefighters from Newtown, Danbury, and Brookfield worked with Bethel crews to get the fire at 208-210 Greenwood Ave. under control, Carter said. As of noon, the flames were mostly extinguished, he said. 

The first floor of the building houses a laundromat. At one point, heavy smoke was pouring from the building with firefighters attacking the blaze from above. 

The fire started in the back of the building near the laundromat, which was open, Carter said. People in the laundromat and a resident of an apartment in the building were able to escape without injury, he said.

In a release later on Sunday, the Bethel Fire Department said the Bethel and Stony Hill fire departments were dispatched at 10:30 a.m. Sunday to a reported structure fire in a commercial strip mall off Greenwood Avenue. It said the initial reports stated there was smoke and fire visible from the roof of the structure.

“Fire personnel began to assemble and Engine 6 responded quickly after the initial dispatch,” it said. “First arriving personnel confirmed a structure fire and requested a 2nd alarm assignment to start additional mutual aid resources from other towns.”

Officials said the fire was located and extinguished through the coordinated effort of local and mutual aid fire crews, adding Bethel police assisted in closing Greenwood Avenue to allow for firefighters to access fire hydrants across the street.  

“While one occupant was evaluated by EMS, they ultimately refused treatment,” it said. “There were no other civilian or first responder injuries.”

Officials said the fire marshal’s office is investigating the blaze.

Several of the businesses in the small strip mall were heavily damaged but others were fine. City officials were working with Eversource to get power back on to the businesses so that they can reopen, Carter said. 

“Everybody is doing everything they can to make sure the businesses are OK,” he said. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.