Westport firefighters were dispatched to a report of a fire in a residence on Morningside Lane. The initial dispatch was four Engines, one Truck company, and the shift commander. A mutual aid Ladder company was added en route for the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Westport Engine 5 arrived 1 st and reported smoke showing from the residence. Engine 5 stretched a 1 3/4” attack line to the rear of the house and located a fire in the basement. Truck 1’s crew assisted with locating and confining the fire to the basement while performing a primary search of the basement and coordinated ventilation to limit smoke and fire damage. Engine 6’s crew performed a primary search on the 1 st and second floor while checking for fire extension. Engine 2’s crew stretched a second attack line and ventilated smoke and carbon monoxide from the 1 st and 2 nd floors. Engine 4’s crew provided salvage and overhaul and were tasked with controlling utilities.
The fire was contained to the room of origin. In addition to the Fairfield fire department providing RIT on the scene, Norwalk and Wilton Fire departments provided mutual aid station coverage, responding to multiple emergency calls while Westport firefighters were extinguishing the basement fire. Westport PD and Westport EMS assisted on the scene as well. The incident is under investigation by members of the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The last fire department unit cleared the scene at 1:38 PM.
#Westport CT– On the evening of Monday July 13, 2020, police responded to a complaint of a tenant
being denied access to her rental property by her landlord. Responding officers met with the
victim, who explained that she had been renting a room at a residence owned by Gail Heitz.
She alleged that she was unable to access her room that evening due to the garage code being
modified and not provided to her. As this was her only way of accessing the property, it
required her to find other accommodations for the night. When officers were able to arrange a
time for the victim to retrieve her property from within Heitz’ residence, it was again noted that
the garage code had been changed, once again restricting access. Based on the investigation,
an arrest warrant was sought and granted for Heitz.
On the evening of Thursday August 20, 2020 Heitz responded to police headquarters in
regard to this active warrant. Based on the warrant, Heitz was charged with 53a-214 Criminal
Lockout. She was released on a written promise to appear. She is scheduled to be arraigned at
Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of Monday September 21, 2020.
2020-08-23@8:30pm–#Westport CT– A candle started a couch on fire on Maplewood Avenue. The homeowner thought they put the fire out but still called the fire department. When the firefighters arrived, the couch reignited which they quickly extinguished and then brought the couch outdoors.
2020-08-22@1:39pm–#Westport CT– #cttraffic– A crash on I-95 northbound between exits 18-19. There is a truck in the left breakdown lane and a car into the guardrail in the right breakdown lane. Traffic is backed up for at least a half a mile.
2020-08-22@12:25am–#Fairfield CT–#Westport CT–#cttraffic– A three car accident on the Merritt Parkway southbound between exits 44 and 42. The highway is shutdown at this time.
Westport, CT – The following message and recap was issued by First Selectman Jim Marpe, the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Westport Emergency Response Team today:
While power has been restored, Eversource continues to manage complex issues, including damage to underground systems. Residents are reminded that this work may cause disruption in service, but any resulting outage should be for a short period of time while the issue is addressed.
Homeowners are advised to contact insurance agents/companies to request information to determine eligibility for and submission of insurance claims.
If your power has been restored and your cable/internet access remains down, please contact your provider. Some fiber cables have been compromised. Town officials remain in contact with these providers to encourage facilitation of those services to their customers.
Both the Public Utilities Regulatory Agency (PURA) and the State Legislature are planning public hearings related to the inadequate response by public utilities companies. Town officials along with state and federal representatives have already expressed an interest in testifying. We are resolved to receiving answers and explanations from the utilities for why they were silent in the storm’s immediate aftermath and mostly unresponsive during restoration. We will seek a commitment from the utilities that they hastily and more accurately communicate their restoration plans to the public and to Town Officials who represent our community. Residents should not have to agonize over unexpected timelines of power outages during emergency events. Instead, residents deserve to know their assessment and have close-to accurate projections for restoration.
Westport was one of the hardest hit communities in Connecticut. To provide some perspective as to the enormity of the storm, the resulting emergency response and clean-up efforts over the last 10 days:
The Westport Fire Department (WFD) responded to 581 incidents, almost 500% of their normal call volume. WFD also responded to at least 30 carbon monoxide incidents, the first time the department received so many calls of this type. In response, the WFD and the Fire Marshal have been increasing its education and outreach regarding the proper usage of generators.
On Tuesday August 4, from approximately 1:00PM until 1:00AM the Westport Police Department (WPD) logged a total of 230 calls for service (155 of which came in at the height of the storm at 2pm). During the twenty four hours thereafter, the police department answered a total of 779 telephone calls, 284 of which were emergency 9-1-1 calls. WPD also deployed temporary traffic control signage at approximately fifteen major intersections throughout the course of the storm.
When there are numerous traffic light outages like those experienced with Storm Isaias, the WPD cannot safely or effectively provide personnel to manually direct traffic at all of the main intersections in town. Motorists should always proceed through intersections with caution and obey temporary signage when this occurs.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) cleared 304 tree issues and is continuing its efforts to clean up debris from 125 miles of Town-owned roadways, in addition to all town-owned Parks and Recreation facilities. DPW is expecting to spend a total of two weeks cleaning up the town’s property, most of which could not commence until Eversource cleared and de-energized their wires. Since power has been restored, DPW has been working expeditiously and in collaboration with the utility companies. DPW has also responded to countless calls and emails to its office related to tree and debris removal.
DPW’s role is to remove trees and debris from the town’s right of way. DPW is not doing curbside pick-up of yard waste. Residents are urged not to put personal yard waste and debris at the curbside. Instead, the town’s Yard Waste Site at 180 Bayberry Lane is open for personal yard debris. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon. This Saturday, August 15, the yard waste site will extend the hours until 3:00PM.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) worked around the clock (in collaboration with emergency personnel) to address storm-related concerns from upwards of 400 households. DHS alone received over 150 incoming calls/emails, and made over 40 home visits to do welfare checks and/or provide food service.
If you have a vulnerable resident in the home, or know of any seniors who lives alone or whose main caregiver is also elderly, register that individual with the DHS by calling 203-341-1073, so the department can proactively follow up with him or her during future emergencies.
The number of town-wide emails and phone calls received are estimated at over triple the normal volume. Town personnel collaborated and triaged those responses as quickly as possible. In addition, emergency and general information was dispersed via Nixle alerts, daily press releases, social media posts and through the town radio station, WWPT 90.3FM.
We continue to urge residents to stay connected with the town by signing up for emergency alerts and press notifications and following us on all Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As we saw with this storm, cellular and internet can go out too. We urge all residents purchase a radio and preset 90.3FM in the case of an emergency.
As part of any and all emergency incident standard procedures, the Town Emergency Operations Command Team (EOC) will debrief and discuss the process, protocols and communications that occurred during Storm Isaias. A summary evaluation of the emergency situation and an identification of what worked and what didn’t is required from all EOC members. Each will make recommendations for improved procedures during future emergency incidents and will collaborate with other members on those processes.
There were many examples of neighbors helping neighbors and people stepping up to help in the midst of the emergency. Most Westporters came together and demonstrated resilience and an inherent capacity to help those around them. I want to express my deepest gratitude to those residents and town employees who exhibited patience, cooperation and understanding under very trying circumstances.
2020-08-16@1:11am–#Westport CT– #cttraffic– A one vehicle rollover on I-95 northbound near exit 18 with 6 people on board, two of them children that were injured. No word on the adults.
#Westport, CT– In a July 10, 2020 press release by this agency, the pronounced spike in property crimes within Westport was detailed at length. Unfortunately, this upward trend has only continued since that time, especially as it relates to the perpetration of motor vehicle thefts and motor vehicle burglaries occurring in the overnight hours.
Since that last release, Westport police have taken a total of fourteen additional stolen motor vehicle reports and have recovered one stolen vehicle from another jurisdiction. From the time period of Thursday July 30, 2020 through Tuesday August 4, 2020, the Department took a total of eight of these reports of stolen motor vehicles; the highest known total within the shortest period of time in the nearly twenty-year period that it has maintained computerized incident records. Calculating the total manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of just these eight cars alone yields a total value of approximately $400,000 in property stolen within just under a six-day timeframe. With all but one exception, these vehicles were stolen from the driveways of private residences. In every single case, these vehicles were left unlocked and ignition keys were left within their passenger compartment. On each of these dates where stolen vehicle reports were taken from these private residences, complaints of numerous reports of motor vehicles being entered and/or burglarized have also been received from the surrounding neighborhoods. These burglaries can be presumed to be attempts at stealing these vehicles, however the perpetrators will also help themselves to any valuables found within them if ignition keys cannot be located. For those questioning whether this activity is limited to specific areas of Westport, the data has shown that this is clearly a town wide issue. It is indisputable fact that the frequency of these crimes is certainly increasing and will most likely only continue at the same pace if the perpetrators of these actions continue to be successful.
Although repeatedly stressed numerous times in the past, once again the Westport Police Department is imploring our residents to lock up their homes and vehicles at all times. The easiest and most effective way to reverse this negative trend is to take these simple preventative measures. Do not ever leave the ignition keys inside the vehicle when it is otherwise unoccupied, especially in circumstances where it will be left unsupervised for extended periods of time. Do not make a habit of leaving valuables in the vehicle such as wallets or electronics, especially not in plain view or in unsecured areas where they are otherwise easily accessible.
These stolen cars are undoubtedly being used in the perpetration of other crimes, including but certainly not limited to additional motor vehicles burglaries and vehicle thefts. This is evident by the frequent encounters our officers have with confirmed stolen vehicles in the overnight hours, especially when responding to or investigating reports of motor vehicle burglaries or suspicious persons observed on private property. However, this is certainly not all these are being used for by the individuals seeking to steal them; a recent case illustrates this point. A vehicle taken from the driveway of a Westport residence during the early morning hours of Friday August 7, 2020 was recovered within a twenty-four-hour period within the city of Hartford. Noted by Hartford Police during the recovery were multiple bullet holes on the frame of the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding that apparent discharge of a firearm are unknown at this time.
Again, those seeking to perpetrate these crimes will not cease this behavior as long as they continue to encounter what they perceive as a target-rich environment. Please understand that police are extremely limited in their capabilities of being able to quickly apprehend these suspects and that investigation can be drawn out over extended periods of time. Even in situations 14:40 3 where vehicles and/or personal items are recovered quickly, in most cases significant damage has already been done. This can refer to actual damage to personal property, damage to personal credit, identity theft, or direct monetary loss; with all of these circumstances being highly preventable through minimal effort. Simply stated, do not allow yourself to be victimized by those that seek to prey upon this community, please take the few seconds it requires to effectively secure your personal property from theft.
#Westport, CT– On Tuesday August 11, 2020 at approximately 2:33am, Westport Police dispatch received a complaint of motor vehicle burglaries from a residence on Richmondville Avenue. The complainant reported that he had initially heard a vehicle speeding away from the area of his home. He then observed that multiple unlocked vehicles parked in his driveway had apparently been entered, noting that their interior lights were illuminated.
A responding officer initially observed a group of three vehicles traveling together a short distance from the location of the reported incident. Upon seeing the marked police cruiser all three vehicle operators turned off their headlamps in an apparent attempt to elude officers; fleeing the immediate area at a high rate of speed and traveling north on Weston Road toward the town line. Officers did not engage in pursuit. The officer who initially spotted these three vehicles was able to obtain a description of two of the three. This information was relayed to other responding officers who maintained a perimeter around the area.
A short time after the initial sighting of the two vehicles, a Cadillac Escalade and a Honda CRV-V, both returned to Westport heading southbound on Weston Road. An officer had positioned himself on Weston Road near the entrance ramps to the Merritt Parkway believing that the vehicles would travel back in that direction. At this time, he was able to successfully deploy a stop stick tire deflation device that was then struck by both of these vehicles as they passed his location. Both then entered the Merritt Parkway northbound at slow speeds with the officer following. It was confirmed through computer checks of their registrations that both vehicles were previously reported stolen and that both had been left unlocked with keys in the vehicles at the time of theft. The Cadillac had been stolen out of the town of Trumbull, Connecticut, and the Honda out of the town of Shelton, Connecticut. The Cadillac Escalade continued northbound on the Parkway, while the Honda CR-V exited into Fairfield with a Westport officer following. Shortly after exiting into Fairfield, the vehicle’s tires had fully deflated causing it to come to a stop. At that time four occupants were detained. The operator was identified as Tyjon Preston, age 18, of New Haven, Connecticut. He was in the company of three juveniles, also residing in New Haven, Connecticut. The Cadillac Escalade was recovered by the Connecticut State Police on Interstate 95 in the area of exit 30. It was unoccupied at the time of recovery. Found within the Honda CR-V that 20:47 2 had been recovered by Westport Police was an ignition key to a GMC Acadia. The matching GMC Acadia was located on Weston Road shortly thereafter within the town of Weston; also unoccupied. It was subsequently confirmed as having been stolen out of Easton, Connecticut. It too had been left unlocked with the key left in the vehicle at the time of theft. This was presumably the third vehicle that had been seen traveling with the Cadillac and Honda as was initially observed by the Westport Officer.
Tyjon Preston was taken into custody and subsequently charged with 53a-122 Larceny First Degree. Bond was set at $600.00. Preston was able to post this bond and was released. He is scheduled to appear at Norwalk Superior Court at 9:00am on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The three juveniles that had been in the vehicle with Preston were not immediately charged as this investigation continues. They were released to the custody of parents. Although officers were successful in apprehending these individuals, this is not usually the case, as motor vehicle burglaries and stolen vehicles have become an all too common occurrence within our community in recent weeks. Although detailed in a prior press release by this agency, expect an additional follow-up message in the coming days that will continue to highlight the gravity of this situation and the urgent need for proactivity by our residents in taking preventative measures to avert further victimization.
This press release was made possible by:
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Westport, CT – The following message was issued by First Selectman Jim Marpe, the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Westport Emergency Response Team today:
According to the DPW, most roads are considered passable and crews continue to clear debris on all roadways.
As of 11:15 AM EST, 13 percent, or approximately 1,600, of Westport’s Eversource customers are without power. Power restoration is being managed by Eversource and is a dynamic issue. The town is unable to answer inquiries on the status of specific outages and the particular work that may be necessary to restore power to a specific address or neighborhood. Only Eversource is able to do this work and provide this information.
Officials continue to compel Eversource to communicate responsibly and as accurately as possible to both town management and the general public. Eversource has not consistently provided any information about progress which has been a source of frustration for us all and for all of the residents who are asking for status updates. Sources are indicating that complex outages, less than 1 percent of customers, may require additional time for a complete restoration. Any new utility poles that require installation will be addressed tomorrow or shortly thereafter.
Residents can be assured that the concerns surrounding Eversource’s lack of communication and inadequate response to this emergency will be addressed by town officials as well as state and federal legislative representatives immediately after the recovery and restoration for this current situation is considered complete.
For those in need of relief, a cooling center has been established at Greens Farms Elementary School (17 Morningside Drive South) from 11 AM to 7 PM today. The entrance is located on the left side of the building by the bus loop.
o If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
o A face covering is required.
o Conform to social distancing regulations.
o Only 25 people will be allowed in the gym at one time. Entrance may be limited if there is a significant line.
Charging stations and Wi-Fi access is available at the Town Hall, Westport Weston Health District and the Westport Library. We request that residents limit their use of the charging stations to 1 hour to allow others the opportunity to charge their devices.
Non-potable (non-drinkable) water is available at all Westport firehouses for the purposes of flushing toilets and bathing.
Westport dispatch requests that residents not call in the same outage, downed tree or wires that have already been called in. The information has been reported to Eversource.
Parks and Recreation
The Longshore Golf Course and Longshore tennis courts and restrooms at ER Strait Marina are closed. Fueling pumps at ER Strait are not functioning.
Restrooms at Compo’s South Beach are now open. The fuel pumps at Compo are functioning.
Homeowner Information:
If your power has been restored and your cable/internet access remains down, please contact your provider. Those providers rely upon electrical restoration or pole re-installation before their services can be addressed.
Homeowners are often seriously injured trying to do their own post-storm cleanup work.
Homeowners should contact electricians to manage individual issues, such as wires that have been pulled from the home or electrical panels. These situations require a certified electrician to re-attach those wires. Once Eversource determines wires are safe, neither its crews nor Town DPW crews are allowed to re-attach or service to individual home electric panels.
Consider consulting a professional before undertaking any major restoration or tree / large limb removal.
Do not use a chain saw if you are not experienced in properly and safely operating it, or if you are not physically fit. If you must use a chainsaw, work only on the ground, not in a tree.
Use extreme caution when using ladders.
Stay safe in hot weather, hydrate, and pace yourself.
Food safety reminders:
Any food remaining in a refrigerator or freezer during the outage should be considered contaminated. Do not rely upon appearance or smell to determine if it is safe to consume. When in doubt, throw it out.
When power comes back on, clean out your refrigerator and freezer BEFORE you put new food in it. Wash the inside of the refrigerator and freezer with soap and warm water then wipe with a mild solution of ½ tablespoon bleach in a gallon of water. Keep doors open to allow to dry. Once dry, allow the unit to get cold before placing food inside.
Westport Yard Waste Site at Bayberry Lane is open for those who wish to discard tree limbs and branches.
All public meetings have been canceled until Wednesday
DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL and STATE PRIMARIES
TODAY, August 11, 2020
The polls are open TODAY (Tuesday, August 11) until 8:00pm. All voting will be take place at Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue. Please wear Personal Protective Equipment and participate in social distancing.
The Official Ballot Drop Box is located at the rear entrance of Town Hall. All ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 8PM today, when the polls officially close.
