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
