Rapid knockdown, frozen hydrant and possible gas leak: New Canaan fire debriefs Richards Lane blaze
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Summary
An incident commander and the fire marshal debriefed a Richards Lane structure fire, saying crews knocked the blaze down in under 15 minutes with assistance from neighboring towns; the fire marshal said the origin was in an attic near a gas‑fired air handler and 'a gas leak ... cannot be ruled out.'
An incident commander for New Canaan’s fire response described a rapid, coordinated operation that limited damage at a Richards Lane structure fire and highlighted water‑supply challenges that could complicate future calls.
“I was the incident commander at 2 Richards Lane,” the commander said, adding that “total of 23 New Canaan Fire Department members responded, 3 chiefs, 6 on duty, 1 volunteer company standby member, 7 company members, and 6 callback career mentors.” The commander said crews executed a rapid attack, stretched handlines, coordinated ventilation and searches, and achieved a near knockdown in about 15 minutes.
The operation faced logistical constraints: a tight street created access and staging challenges, and the hydrant closest to the scene was frozen. The commander said crews adapted by extending a 2,800‑foot reverse layout to reach a serviceable hydrant and requested mutual‑aid tankers from nearby towns. Mutual‑aid partners that responded included Norwalk, Stamford, Wilton, Darien and Westport.
Fire Marshal Paul said his preliminary investigation found the origin in an attic adjacent to a gas‑fired air handler. “Because that duct 12 inch flex duct had burned off, I was able to see inside the air handler ... the entire inside of that air handler was charred,” Paul said, adding that “a gas leak in that air handler cannot be ruled out.” He said the loss at the structure was substantial and that the homeowner’s insurer has dispatched its own investigator; Paul said he will join the insurer’s investigator before the end of the week.
The commission and staff also discussed hydrant maintenance and the town’s contract with the water provider. Commissioners noted clogged drain ports and a pattern of frozen small‑bore hydrants in some neighborhoods; follow‑up with the water utility was described as ongoing.
Next steps: the fire marshal will continue the origin investigation with the insurance investigator. The commission said it will track any operational changes recommended after the final investigation and follow up with the water provider about hydrant reliability.