DERBY –Fire officials are working to determine the cause of an apartment house fire at 23 Derby Ave. Sunday (Feb. 8) that displaced two families.

Derby Fire Marshal Brian Lampart said the fire started in the lower level of the three-story building, but the cause remains undetermined.

The extent of damage to the structure, along with the recent snow and subzero temperatures, have caused delays.

“The building was heavily damaged. The area that I’m concentrating on, the lower level, was structurally not sound, so I’m waiting on the insurance company, and hopefully we can go in together as a team and we can look at the areas of concern,” Lampart said.

The three-story building was built in 1879 and was about 2,000 square feet, according to Derby land records. 

It housed two families in apartments on the second and third floors. The first floor was a commercial space undergoing a renovation.

Fire crews were sent to the same address on Feb. 4 on a report of a structure fire. The call was unfounded, the chief said.

“After investigating nothing was found,” Derby Fire Department Chief Thomas Biggs said. “There was no fire. We checked 21 and 23 (Derby Ave.) and the basement and nothing was found.”

Lampart said the eight residents are currently staying with other family members and friends. Lampart said one child, who was barefoot when residents fled the fire, was taken to the hospital to be checked out and was released.

A Derby firefighter battling the blaze suffered frostbite and was treated and released from the hospital on the same day, according to the Derby Fire Department chief.

“He should make a full recovery with no issues,” Biggs said.

The temperature during the fire was 2 degrees with a wind chill making it feel like 12 below.  

Lampart said the building is uninhabitable.

“The roof is gone and the building most likely is going to have to come down,” Lampart said.

The fire was first reported at about 6 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 8). 

The building was near the Marie Antoinette Bridal Salon.. Owner Theresa Coppola said her store and its inventory were not damaged.

The City of Derby is working with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and Thrift Shoppe on Roosevelt Drive to help the families. St. Vincent de Paul has provided access to food, clothing and other essential items, according to a statement issued by city hall Wednesday (Feb. 11).

Mayor Joseph DiMartino’s administration is working with the Valley United Way to raise money to help the families. Click this link to donate.

Update On Jan. 21 Factory Street Fire

The Derby Fire Marshal’s Office is also investigating the cause and origin of a fire that damaged a commercial building at 23 Factory St. at about 9 a.m. Jan. 21.

There were no injuries reported.

“We’re real close to releasing the information; we do have a cause, but we’re still dealing with the insurance company,” Lampart said.

Lampart said mostly wood was being stored in the storage bunker which caught on fire.

The property was formerly Housatonic Lumber, which closed in 2009 after 100 years in business.

Ansonia House Fire Also Still Under Investigation

Ansonia Deputy Fire Marshal Joseph Kingston is investigating the Jan. 31 house fire at 6 Fifth Street in Ansonia. 

As of Wednesday (Feb. 11), Kingston said he is still working to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.

“As of yet we are still investigating possible ignition sources and have not yet made a final determination,” Kingston said via an email. “So far we have conducted interviews, a scene examination and met with the insurance company’s fire investigator.”

Kingston said the majority of the fire spread was from exterior rear porches, up to the eaves and into the attic space. The three-family house, according to city land records, was built in 1880 and comprised about 2,500-sqaure feet.

No injuries were reported. A GoFundMe has been set up to benefit a family displaced by the fire. You can click here to make a donation.