On Sunday, January 12, a fire engulfed and destroyed the historic Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.
According to Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, who released a formal statement earlier today, the Stratford Fire Department responded to several calls shortly before 1:00 am Sunday of a fire at the location of the American Shakespeare Theater. Stratford Fire, Police and EMS crews responded to the scene. They were aided by the Milford and Bridgeport Fire Departments. A large fire soon engulfed the entire building, and despite the quick actions of first responders, the building is a total loss.
“The loss of this iconic and historic theater that holds a special place in the hearts of Stratford residents is devastating,” said Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick. “Our first concern is ensuring safety, making sure the site is secured and that there is no further threat to public safety. This fire continues to be under investigation to determine the exact cause of this fire, and we will be working in concert with state officials in that effort.
“I want to thank the dedicated personnel of our Fire, Police and EMS Departments as well as those from neighboring Milford and Bridgeport for their quick actions to keep our residents safe in response to this emergency, and I would also like to extend my thanks to the emergency responders in Fairfield, Shelton and Bridgeport who assisted with town-wide coverage in Stratford while our assets were deployed,” she added.
Hoydick said that state Fire Marshal’s office deployed a canine unit this morning to the site to search for any accelerants that may have contributed to the fire.
*Image courtesy Shakespeare Academy who tweeted, "So sad to say our beloved Shakespeare Theater burned tonight. Our Academy building was not harmed."