Month: March 2025

Garage Fire

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Bridgeport fire spokesperson Shawnna White said in email:

At 10:45 am, the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire located in the 400 block of Cleveland Ave. Units found a fire in a wall which was quickly extinguished. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. The occupants are relocating to another residence. No reported injuries. UI shut off the power due to issues with the house service line

Bridgeport Fire Department’s quick response kept a small garage fire on Cleveland Avenue small and extinguished the fire. The fire marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire.

2025-03-18@10:45am–#Bridgeport CT

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG VOWS TO FIGHT FOR CONNECTICUT CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER AND CLIMATE AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO GUT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today promised to fight for Connecticut clean air, clean water and climate following the announcement by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin that his agency will gut regulations protecting Americans from airborne toxins, smog, dirty power plants and more.

The Trump Administration has also taken steps towards rescinding the 16-year-old “endangerment finding” establishing the non-controversial, scientifically-supported and widely understood connection between greenhouse gases and harm to human health and the environment. That finding is the foundation enabling regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from numerous sources, including power plants and motor vehicles.

“This is a dangerous attack on the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the planet we all rely on for life so that the world’s biggest polluters can pocket even bigger profits. The Office of the Attorney General was involved in establishing many of these regulations, and we’re going to fight these reckless rollbacks at every single step,” said Attorney General Tong. “I’m particularly worried about what these actions mean for air quality. Connecticut sits at the end of our nation’s tailpipe. Without strong federal regulations and responsible actions by our upwind neighbors, there’s nothing we can do to stop the influx of smog from our country’s heaviest cross-state polluters. A dirty power plant operator four states away is going to get a free pass while kids in Connecticut choke. These regulations were carefully crafted over decades after intensive public scrutiny and analysis, and we’re not going to let Trump erase them without a fight.”

Three Adults and Three Juveniles Arrested After Weapons Seized in Bridgeport, CT

On March 13, 2025 – The Bridgeport Police Task Force arrested three adults and three juveniles following an investigative stop on Bond Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the evening of March 13, 2025. Officers recovered two firearms and other contraband from the vehicle, leading to the immediate arrest of all six individuals involved.

Task Force Officers were conducting an on-going investigation when they observed a Honda Accord with six occupants in the area of Boston Ave and Bond St. The stop was conducted within the 300 block of Bond St.

As Officers made contact with the occupants of the vehicle, firearms were observed inside the vehicle. No person in the vehicle had a valid pistol permit to carry a firearm.  Further search of the vehicle revealed quantities of Xanax pills and 200 grams of marijuana. Firearm’s seized were identified as a FN 509 9mm handgun with a 24 round magazine and laser attachment, the second firearm was a 9mm “Ghost Gun.”

The arrested adults, Wazin Ali (20), Rafael Velez (19), and Gianna Petree (19) have been charged with multiple firearm offenses, including weapons in a motor vehicle, failure to obtain serial number (Ghost Gun) and high-capacity magazine. The juveniles are facing similar charges, and their cases will be handled in accordance with juvenile justice procedures.

Fire Marshal Terry Dunn is urging homeowners to take extra precautions as they begin spring cleaning and home renovations.

“With the change in seasons, we often see an increase in home improvement projects and decluttering efforts,” said Fire Marshal Dunn. “However, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical outlets, and spontaneous combustion of oily rags can all lead to devastating fires.”

The recent structure fires have been linked to common hazards, including improperly discarded chemicals, electrical malfunctions, and combustible materials being stored too close to heat sources. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, but the fires have caused significant property damage.

Fire Prevention Tips

The Westport Fire Department urges residents to follow these safety measures to prevent garage and structure fires:

  • Store flammable liquids properly: Keep gasoline, paint thinners, and other combustibles in approved containers, away from heat sources.
  • Dispose of oily rags safely: Never pile up rags used with oil-based stains or paints. Store them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid or lay them out to dry in a well-ventilated area.
  • Check electrical wiring: Avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Inspect cords for fraying or damage.
  • Keep combustibles away from heat sources: Do not store cardboard boxes, wood, or paper products near water heaters, furnaces, or other heat-producing appliances.
  • Ensure proper ventilation: When using flammable chemicals or conducting renovation work, maintain good airflow to reduce fire risks.

Additionally, the Connecticut State Fire Marshal recommends the importance of having working smoke detectors and multiple exit plans to enhance home safety. While fire-related fatalities have declined compared to last year, continued vigilance is essential.

Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical in preventing fires. Residents are encouraged to participate in Westport’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day to safely dispose of items such as oil-based paints, solvents, and chemicals. Improper disposal can increase fire hazards and lead to environmental contamination.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Location: Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport, CT

This event is free of charge for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich. For more details, visit the Westport Household Hazardous Waste Collection page.

“Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing fires,” Dunn added. “If you have concerns about fire safety in your home, our department is always available to provide guidance.”

For more fire safety information, visit westportct.gov/fire or contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 341-5020.

Town of Fairfield to Begin East Trunk Sewer Line Replacement

First Selectman Bill Gerber announced today that the Town of Fairfield will begin a long-planned replacement of the East Trunk sewer line in May 2025 with an expected project duration of approximately 18 months. Aging sewer lines will be replaced to improve the reliability and efficiency of the Town’s wastewater system, reduce maintenance cost, prevent future disruptions and support development in the Town by providing necessary infrastructure for growth. Two public informational meetings will be held to share important details about the project, primarily affecting residents who live on the following streets: Kenard Street, Kenwood Avenue, Dalewood Avenue, Ash Street and Grasmere Avenue. There will be a staggered schedule of project work so that neighborhood impacts will be limited to shorter time periods of one to three months as work progresses. Impacts may include one way traffic and an on-street parking ban during work hours. “This Capital project is estimated at a total cost of $30.8 million, with $13.5 million funded by the Town, $13.5 million funded by the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the final $3.8 million funded through a state grant. This is a long-deferred but critical improvement to the Town wastewater system,” said Gerber. “Replacing aged sewer pipes will improve flow efficiency, reduce our maintenance costs and avoid disruptive repairs. We delayed this project but the time to modernize the East Trunk line is now.” All residents are invited to attend one of the public information sessions, scheduled for March 20 and March 25.

Meeting 1:
Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
In Person Location: First Floor Conference Room Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, CT
06824
To Participate on line via Zoom:
 Via Web Browser

o https://zoom.us/j/7250682401
o Meeting Passcode: 123
 From the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet:
o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401
o Meeting Passcode: 123
 Via Phone:
o Call (646) 931-3860
o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401
o Meeting Passcode: 123

Meeting 2:
Date: March 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: First Floor Conference Room, Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824
To Participate on line via Zoom:
 Via Web Browser
o https://zoom.us/j/7250682401
o Meeting Passcode: 123
 From the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet:
o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401
o Meeting Passcode: 123
 Via Phone:
o Call (646) 931-3860
o Meeting ID: 725 068 2401
o Meeting Passcode: 123

Emmeline Harrigan Appointed as Town of Fairfield Plan and Zoning Director

The Town of Fairfield is pleased to announce that Emmeline Harrigan has been appointed Director of Town Plan and Zoning, the Town’s land use agency, effective April 1. With Plan and Zoning Director Jim Wendt’s announcement of his retirement, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) appointed Harrigan to serve as Director of Town Plan and Zoning at their meeting on March 11. The appointment was subsequently approved by First Selectman Bill Gerber.

Harrigan has served the Town as assistant planning director for the past eight years. She has more than 25 years of planning experience, with a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. She is a certified Planner and Floodplain Manager. While in Fairfield, she has worked on the Town’s Transit-Oriented Development Plan, the Post Road Circle Safety Plan, and the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as coordinating the revisions to the Plan of Conservation and Development. As a Floodplain Administrator for two Connecticut coastal communities, she has ensured continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, increased resiliency through participation in the Community Rating System, and has applied and processed grant applications with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She is the current president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association, as well as a past president of the CT Association of Flood Managers.

First Selectman Bill Gerber said, “Emmeline Harrigan is an excellent choice to lead the Town Plan and Zoning Department as its new director. She has worked closely with Jim Wendt for years and is extremely qualified. Her professional stature and experience will be invaluable to the Town as we grow into the future.”

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