“Our city departments, the American Red Cross and community partners are coordinating closely and remain in ongoing communication to ensure those impacted receive the immediate support and resources they need,” Mayor Roberto Alves said on social media. “This is an incredibly difficult moment for these residents and their families. The city of Danbury stands with them, and we will continue working together to support them in the days ahead.”

The Danbury Fire Department said the fire took place at the Ashwood Valley Luxury Apartment complex around 4:12 p.m. Thursday and caused part of the building to collapse.

The department said in a post on Facebook that crews arrived on scene to find a working fire in a three-story residential building that was quickly escalated to a second alarm.

Officials said firefighters also learned that a resident was trapped on his balcony while heavy smoke filled his apartment, and were able to rescue the individual using a ground ladder. 

A team of about 60 firefighters, including from Danbury, Brookfield and Stony Hill, managed to knock down the flames and contain the fire by 6:13 p.m., officials said. The department also said “a three-floor pancake collapse” occurred while crews were working on scene, but did not provide additional details.

The department said the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office.

Four people — three civilians and one firefighter — were transported to Danbury Hospital, officials said. A dog also was rescued from the fire and transported to a Newtown veterinary hospital for treatment.

About 80 residents were displaced by the fire.

In a post on Facebook, state Rep. Farley Santos, D-109th District, said he has been receiving updates on the fire and has been in touch with the mayor.

“My office will do everything it can to assist residents and help connect them with the resources they need as recovery efforts continue,” Santos said on social media.

Santos advised residents affected by the fire to contact him directly via email at Farley.santos@cga.ct.gov.

July 24, 2026