Fire Department Investigates Series of Unexplained Blasts That Shook Homes
The Stamford Fire Department conducted two extensive searches early Friday morning after four new reports of explosions in North Stamford, following a series of similar reports Thursday evening. The blasts proved powerful enough to shake homes, rattle windows, and knock pictures from walls, yet Fire Chief Robert Morris reported no structural damage, gas leaks, or seismic activity in any searched areas. The Tennessee Gas Pipeline and Eversource Gas completed system checks, and they are showing normal operations. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assists local officials in examining possible causes of the unexplained disturbances.
5 Key Points
- Residents made over a dozen 911 calls between 6:30-7:20 PM Thursday, reporting powerful explosions in North Stamford.
- Four explosion reports came in at 3:45 AM Friday, prompting a second full-scale response.
- Multiple fire crews searched the affected areas twice, finding no evidence of damage, injuries, gas leaks, or seismic activity.
- The Tennessee Gas Pipeline transmission line and Eversource Gas systems showed no irregularities during both incidents.
- After extensive searches, the Fire Department confirmed no immediate threats to public safety.
Residents Report Home-Shaking Explosions
North Stamford residents flooded emergency services with calls between 6:30 and 7:20 PM Thursday describing powerful explosions that physically impacted their homes. “All of the windows were shaking, and we just felt vibrations and my dad called upstairs, ‘what the hell was that?'” said Stamford resident Andrew Olsen. Another resident described the unsettling experience: “We heard a loud crash, bang – thought a tree or something had fallen down outside, and that was it. We waited.” The blasts proved strong enough to shake entire homes and dislodge wall decorations.
Fire Department Mounts Two Search Operations
The initial wave of reports Thursday evening triggered multiple fire crew deployments across North Stamford. When four new explosion reports came in at 3:45 AM Friday, the department launched a second comprehensive search. Fire Chief Robert Morris described their thorough investigation process: “We checked. There were no explosions, there was no problem with our infrastructure, no gas main problems, no fire of any type, so it was kind of like – we’re not sure what it is.” Morris explained that typical gas or propane explosions leave obvious evidence, making these incidents particularly puzzling.
Infrastructure and Safety Checks Reveal No Cause
The Tennessee Gas Pipeline, which maintains a major transmission line through the affected North Stamford area, conducted full system checks following both sets of reports. Eversource Gas likewise examined its infrastructure. Both companies confirmed normal operations throughout their networks. The Fire Department’s investigation ruled out seismic activity and common explosion sources: “Natural gas or propane house explosions are easy to find,” Chief Morris noted, “but there have been no reports of damage, no injuries, and no seismic activity to indicate an earthquake or tremor.”
Investigation Continues with Expert Consultation
Fire Chief Morris contextualized the mysterious events: “This was more or less a phenomenon to us, an anomaly that happened… Things like this have happened before though.” The Stamford Fire Department’s statement detailed their next steps: “While the precise cause of these events remains undetermined, we are actively consulting with experts, including the USGS, to explore all possible explanations.” The department emphasized they would continue monitoring the situation while assuring residents that their extensive searches found no threats to public safety.
FAQ
Q: When exactly did the explosions occur?
A: The first series occurred on Thursday, November 14, 2024, between 6:30-7:20 PM. A second series was reported on Friday, November 15, 2024, around 3:45 AM.
Q: Were there any injuries or property damage?
A: The Stamford Fire Department reported no injuries and found no structural damage during either investigation, despite residents reporting shaking homes and pictures falling from walls.
Q: Could this be related to gas line issues?
A: Both the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, which operates a major transmission line in the area, and Eversource Gas confirmed their systems were functioning normally with no reported issues during both incidents.
Q: Could the explosions be from an earthquake?
A: Fire Chief Robert Morris confirmed no seismic activity was detected that would indicate an earthquake or tremor in the area.
Q: Is there any current danger to residents?
A: The Stamford Fire Department stated that, following extensive searches of the affected areas, they are “confident” there is no ongoing threat to life or property.
Q: How are officials investigating the cause?
A: The Stamford Fire Department is consulting with experts, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and continues to monitor the situation while exploring all possible explanations.
Q: Has this happened before in Stamford?
A: According to Fire Chief Morris, “Things like this have happened before,” though the source material did not provide specific details of previous incidents.
Citations
Eyewitness News (November 15, 2024). Officials investigating over a dozen reports of unidentified ‘loud explosions’ in Stamford, CT. ABC7NY. https://abc7ny.com/post/stamford-officials-investigating-dozen-reports-loud-explosions-connecticut/15548099/
