Crime & Safety

FD Forced From Burning Church, Began Exterior Attack

63 Firefighters from 6 towns responded to a structure fire at Saugatuck Congregational Church Sunday night.

Shortly before 10:00 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."

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

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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. 

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

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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 6 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."


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