Short Beach HH&L Company 4

02/25/2026

02/25/2026

The Branford Fire Department proudly congratulates Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Olejarczyk,aka Big Mike, for his 10 years of dedicated service. Your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and service to our community have made a lasting impact. We thank you for your years of excellence and look forward to your continued success and contributions in the years to come.

02/14/2026

As we enter the third day of our fire company's closure, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters who are standing by us during this challenging period.

We wish to clarify for the citizens of Norwich that if you observe a Yantic fire engine on the road or responding to a call, please be aware that the individuals operating that apparatus are not members of the Yantic fire company. Our operations remain suspended at this time.
Chief Wilson is using one of our volunteer engines at this time.

We also wish to remind everyone of the importance of participating in the upcoming city council meeting. Your presence is vital. The meeting will take place on Tuesday night at City Hall, starting at 6:30 PM. We urge you to attend and voice any concerns you may have regarding the closure of the fire company.

Your attendance will demonstrate community support. Thank you

01/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Incident Number: 26-0001809
Date/Time: January 30, 2026, 10:00:28 a.m.
Location: 103 Cherry Hill Road, Branford, CT
Business: Fox Field Farm

At approximately 10:00 a.m., the Branford Fire Department responded to Fox Field Farm, a beloved family-owned farm-themed business, for a reported barn fire with horses trapped inside. Fire units were dispatched and responded within seconds to this general alarm incident.

The first arriving engine was on scene within four minutes and encountered a 75-foot by 40-foot barn with a loft that was heavily involved in fire. Firefighters immediately initiated an exterior fire attack while simultaneously attempting to gain entry to the structure; however, entry was not possible due to extreme heat and heavy smoke conditions.

At the time of the fire, the barn was occupied by four horses and several smaller animals. The property owner made a heroic effort to rescue the animals and was able to free one horse before being forced out by rapidly deteriorating conditions. He was treated on scene by Branford Fire Department EMS personnel and transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for further evaluation.

Firefighters battled bitter cold temperatures and icy conditions throughout suppression efforts and were able to successfully prevent the fire from extending to an adjacent garage and nearby residence.

During operations, one Branford firefighter sustained burns to his hands and arms through his protective equipment due to intense radiant heat. He was treated at Yale New Haven Hospital Shoreline Medical Center and released. He will require follow-up care.

Responding units included Branford Engines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9; Ladder Truck 1; Car units 1, 2, 8, and 9; Medic 3; and Ambulance 2. The Guilford Fire Department provided on-scene mutual aid, while the East Haven Fire Department covered Branford fire stations during the incident.

The Branford Fire Department extends its sincere thanks to both departments for their assistance.
We also thank the Branford Police Department for traffic control and scene safety, as well as our Emergency Telecommunicators for their steady coordination of resources while simultaneously managing other emergency incidents.

The Chambers family, well-established and deeply respected members of the Branford community and former owners of Shelly’s Garden Center, suffered the heartbreaking loss of cherished animals in this fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time, and we extend our full support as they face yet another challenge.

We would also like to recognize and thank the many individuals—family, friends, and strangers alike—who came forward to assist the family in any way they could, demonstrating the true spirit and compassion of the Branford community.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
For additional information, please contact the Branford Fire Department. 203-488-7266

Branford Patch, BranfordSeven.com, On Scene Media New Haven County, ShoreLine Times, The Sound, WTNH News 8, WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News WTNH News 8 FOX61NBC Connecticut

01/25/2026

01/25/2026

With today’s snow event, keep in mind these three important things.

Company 4 will be staffed during the brunt of winter storm “Fern”

01/23/2026

As stated- if you have a hydrant in front of your house and you are able- help yourself and your neighbors by clearing it out!!
Better have it and not need it than need it and not have it- in a timely manner!

If you are able, please help keep em' clear.

01/23/2026

It’s winter everyone! Let’s freshen up on the bitter cold and snowy thought process!

01/06/2026

Last night Short Beach HH&L Company 4 and M.P. Rice Hose Co 2 members drilled on cold water rescue, primarily donning cold water suits… which also lead to a bit of fun posing.

11/03/2025

If you haven’t already, here is your reminder!!
“Working Smoke Detectors SAVES LIVES!”