Two Fires Rock Danbury Saturday and Sunday

At least six people were left out of their homes this weekend after two fires in Danbury, and in one a man was charged at a fire scene on Ridge Road with interfering.

Danbury Fire Department Assistant Chief Bernie Meehan said the Saturday fire was reported at about 1:40 p.m., and the fire started in the adult son's bedroom. He said the two occupants in the house, an elderly man and his son, were not injured in the fire. Meehan said the cause of the fire is under investigation, and the house is not occupied by order of the Danbury Fire Marshal.

While fighting the fire, firefighters found a loaded shotgun in the son's room, Meehan said, and firefighters called police to disarm it. Meehan said when the son arrived at the house, he tried to force his way into the home and firefighters had to restrain him until police came. He was irate and threatening fire fighters. He was charged with interfering with emergency personnel, and is being held at the Danbury Police Department. Meehan said the son may have been charged in addition with possession of a firearm, something he is barred from by a previous criminal history.

In the second fire, which broke out about 5:50 p.m. Sunday at 114 Elm St., Meeehan said the fire may have started in heat ducts from a first-floor deli. He said the fire spread into the walls into upstairs apartments. Meehan said six adults, two children and two dogs were displaced by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Paul Shipman, a spokesman with the Connecticut Red Cross released the following statement. "The Red Cross is helping eight people after fires Saturday and Sunday in Danbury and Seymour.

 In Danbury, the Red Cross is helping two adults and one child with emergency housing and food needs after a fire on Elm Street.

 The Red Cross is also providing help with emergency housing, food and clothing needs to one person after a Saturday fire on Ridge Road in Danbury.

 The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits, containing age and gender appropriate personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items a family might not have been able to gather in the rush to escape the fire.  Children's kits include a stuffed toy."