Due to a forecasted heat wave with heat index values expected between 100 and 105 degrees, the towns of Stratford, Bridgeport, and Westport have activated their Cooling Center Protocols, effective immediately through 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Residents, especially seniors, children, those with pre-existing health conditions, and anyone vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are urged to stay cool, hydrated, and indoors. All three municipalities are offering designated cooling centers with varying hours to provide relief from the dangerous temperatures.
Governor Ned Lamont also issued statewide guidance, reminding residents that cooling centers can be located by dialing 2-1-1 and emphasizing precautions such as hydration, limited outdoor exposure, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
Stratford Cooling Center Locations:
Baldwin Center – 1000 West Broad St | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Stratford Library – 2203 Main St | Mon–Thurs, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri–Sat, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stratford YMCA – 3045 Main St | Mon–Thurs, 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Weekend hours vary
Bridgeport Cooling Centers:
Senior Centers (Weekdays Only):
Black Rock – 2676 Fairfield Ave | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
East Side – 268 Putnam St | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Eisenhower – 307 Golden Hill St | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
North End Bethany – 20 Thorme St | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
GBT Station – 710 Water St | Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Public Library Branches: Main, Black Rock, Newfield, North, and East Side (Closed for Renovation) – Hours vary by branch
Westport Cooling Center Locations:
Center for Senior Activities – 21 Imperial Ave | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Westport Weston YMCA – 14 Allen Raymond Ln | Weekdays 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Weekends 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Westport Museum for History and Culture – 25 Avery Pl | Thurs–Sat, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Health and Safety Reminders:
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces
Avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours (11 AM – 4 PM)
Wear light, loose clothing and stay hydrated
Check in on elderly or isolated individuals
Never leave children or pets in vehicles
For overnight or long-term sheltering, residents are advised to call 2-1-1. Emergency services remain available via 9-1-1. Local updates will continue to be shared on municipal websites and social media.
Firefighters showed up to the 400 block of Wells Street in Bridgeport, where they discovered a second story wall fire. They have knocked down the fire at this time.
First responders responded to a small white boat that was seemingly in distress in the Long Island Sound near St. Mary’s By The Sea, where it turned out to simply be a training exercise. There is no hazard at this time.
Acting on a viewer tip, we discovered that the MX Pawn Shop at 1728 Barnum Avenue. The viewer said police were seen loading records in a rental truck. There are no other details at this time.
If you value truly local, independent reporting, support us on Facebook or Patreon today! patreon.com/doingitlocal
Firefighters were once again dispatched to a structure fire at the vacant building located at George and Center Street. We were there on May 1st for the previous fire at this location. Mayor Ganim mentioned in his State of the City address that this building is scheduled for demolition soon.
