DARIEN – During the height of Sunday’s massive winter storm, a DATTCO bus on I-95 carrying passengers headed to Fall River, Massachusetts, was engulfed in flames and 50 people were treated at area hospitals, according to social media posts from First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky and fire department officials.
Members of the Darien Fire Department, Noroton Heights Fire Department, Noroton Fire Department, Darien EMS – Post 53, Darien Police Department, Stamford EMS, Norwalk EMS, State Police and Darien Emergency Management responded to the fire, Zagrodzky wrote on Facebook.
“The was most likely the most impactful incidents Darien has faced in several years,” Zagrodsky wrote in his post a letter to all Darien first responders and partner agencies, “involving a fire and more than 50 patients who needed to be rapidly evaluated, treated and either transported off the scene to area hospitals or safely sheltered and transferred back onto another bus to continue to Fall River, Mass.
“The fact that this complex emergency unfolded during one of the most significant weather events our area has experienced in many years makes your response even more remarkable.”
On Monday school classes were cancelled, municipal offices were closed and several businesses were closed. Gov. Ned Lamont had instituted an emergency order to close highways to commercial vehicle traffic; that order was lifted at 6: 30 a.m. on Monday.
Even though the order has been lifted, the governor is urging all motorists to do their best to avoid driving Monday if possible and use absolute caution if they must drive as plow crews continue their work to clear the roads of snow and ice.
“While the height of the storm has passed, lingering light snowfall is expected to remain throughout the day on Monday, and I am strongly advising everyone to stay off the roads if at all possible and let the plow crews do their jobs,” the governor said.
As for snow accumulation, the National Weather Service reported the following as of late yesterday (in inches):
- New Fairfield: 16.0
- Bethel: 15.7
- Danbury: 15.5
- Bridgeport Airport: 15.1
- Greenwich: 11.0
- Norwalk: 13.5
- New Canaan: 12.6
- Fairfield: 14.0
Several Fairfield County municipalities issued updates on their websites:
FAIRFIELD
- “Reports from the Fairfield Police Department Monday morning tell us that the roads are slippery and drivers should use EXTREME caution. Snowplows have been out all day Sunday and all night last night and are continuing to clear Fairfield’s 270 miles of roads.
- Residents are encouraged to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.
- A parking ban is in effect beginning Sunday at 6 a.m. in order to allow plows to safely clear the roads
- Please park in the driveway or garage if possible
- If your vehicle must remain in the road, park on the ODD side of the street
- On cul-de-sacs in particular, cars can only be parked on one side of the road
- Illegally parked vehicles will be towed
- The Department of Public Works began pre-treating roads at 6 a.m. on Sunday
- 50 trucks are out clearing snow based on priority – first main roads, then secondary and finally tertiary roads
- Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the storm ending to allow pedestrians to travel safely. After that time, warnings or citations may be issued.
- All Town Offices will be closed on Monday, except for essential personnel. Essential services will continue to operate as needed.
- Public Libraries will be closed on Monday.
- The Bigelow Senior Center will be closed on Monday.
- The Transfer Station will be closed on Monday.
- The Animal Control shelter will be open throughout the storm
- If you have to leave your home, you can temporarily shelter your pet at Animal Control.
- The Water Pollution Control Utility (sewage treatment) and Police and Fire departments are increasing staffing to ensure our sewer system continues to function and medical and public safety emergencies are addressed as quickly as possible.
WESTPORT
Based on current weather conditions and forecast projections, the Governor’s State of Emergency, the Town of Westport’s local emergency declaration, and guidance from emergency management officials, Westport Town Hall will be closed to the public and staff on Monday.
This decision is intended to protect public safety and reduce travel during a period of heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions expected to continue into Monday.
“Safety is our top priority,” said First Selectman Kevin Christie. “We are asking residents to stay home if they are able, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep roads clear so our public safety and public works teams can do their jobs. Please avoid parking on streets if possible, and take a moment to check in on any neighbors who may need assistance.”
Public safety operations, including Police, Fire, and Public Works, will continue under established storm and emergency response protocols.
The town will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates through official town communication channels.
TRUMBULL
Trumbull Town Hall and facilities will be closed, Monday. The Trumbull Transfer Station, Senior Center, Quality Street Library and Fairchild-Nichols Library are also closed.
Public Works, EMS and Police buildings will remain open to provide critical services.
STAMFORD
- City Hall & Municipal Offices: Closed on Monday, due to hazardous conditions.
- VIP Center: Closed on Monday.
- Stamford Public Schools: Classes are cancelled for Monday.
- Parking Bans: A Winter Snow Emergency is in effect through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. All vehicles must be removed from designated snow emergency routes.
- Free parking: Free parking is available at the Bedford Street, Bell Street, and Summer Street garages during the emergency.
- Stamford Town Center: The mall was closed on Sunday, with a delayed opening on Monday, Jan. 26 at 12 p.m.
NORWALK
Mayor Barbara Smyth has declared a Snow Emergency starting on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 PM.
- In accordance with Norwalk City Code, Chapter 99, a snow emergency went into effect at 2 p.m. Saturday.
- Any vehicles on the City’s snow emergency routes must be temporarily removed. The City has made the Yankee Doodle and Maritime Aquarium garages available to residents for free parking, effective at 2 p.m. Saturday.
