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Volunteers and contractors help save home in Woodbury structure fire; town clarifies warming-station policy
Summary
Town leaders praised firefighters, volunteers and construction contractors for their response to a Jan. 29 structure fire that was kept to the area of origin despite difficult access; First Selectman Paul Zulpa also clarified the town's warming-station approach following social-media questions.
The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 10 read a synopsis of a Jan. 29 structure fire on Transylvania Road that town officials say was saved with minimal damage after a complex multi-agency response.
According to the fire-department synopsis read by First Selectman Paul Zulpa, snow blocked ready access and crews from Woodbury, Southbury and Bethlehem worked to hold the fire to the area of origin. The town credited the Chief Engineer, Don Harris, and Southbury’s E5 driver, Butch Little, for enabling apparatus to reach the home; Dayton Construction and the Town’s Public Works department provided bucket loaders to clear paths for the trucks; past chiefs Bud Neal and Chuck Kiessling assisted; and local business Hilario’s aided in returning WVFD E5 to the driveway. Officials said the home was saved with minimal damage because of coordinated effort and experience.
Zulpa also addressed social-media concerns about warming stations. He said the town’s earlier message that it was not opening an official warming station "at this time" was intentional: in past storms the Senior Center or Fire Department was opened but no one sought shelter; to protect staff and volunteers during dangerous weather the town will keep staff at home unless someone explicitly requests assistance. The Emergency Management Director (Amy Clark) will coordinate openings of the Fire House or the Senior Center if needed.
Why it matters: The minutes record a detailed description of a volunteer-heavy response where access challenges due to snow required equipment support from public works and private contractors. The town’s clarification on warming-station policy explains how officials aim to balance public safety and staff safety during severe weather.
What’s next: No formal board action was recorded on the fire report or warming-station message; officials said protocols are in place and will be activated if residents request shelter or assistance.
