Fatal crash in Norfolk leads to brush fire

Fatal crash in Norfolk leads to brush fire

A fallen tree took down power lines, causing a brush fire along Route 44 in Norfolk Oct. 25.

Photo Provided

NORFOLK – A tree fell on a passing vehicle on Route 44 Friday, Oct. 25, at about 6:11 p.m., killing the driver and injuring a passenger.

Jon Barbagallo, public information officer for the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, interviewed Saturday morning, Oct. 26, said a pickup truck was traveling east on Route 44 near the Norfolk/North Canaan line when a very large tree on the north side of the highway fell, hitting the truck and crushing the cab, and taking out utility lines.

The downed electric power lines then sparked two brush fires. Barbagallo said it took two hours to put out the fires.

“The flames were high and moving fast.”

Traffic on the busy highway was detoured soon after the incident. The road was reopened Saturday, Oct. 26 around noon, but utility crews were still working.

Several nearby fire departments responded to the call. Canaan Fire Company's Brian Allyn reported a team effort to access a second location to fight the brush fire. He said Laurelbrook Natural Resources brought a load of gravel to fill a ditch, allowing water tankers to drive to the other side of the blaze and put out the fire.

A water tanker fights the blaze from the other side of the fire.Photo by Brian Allyn

Latest News

Housy boys defeat Shepaug 1-0 in BL tournament semifinal

The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.

Photo by Riley Klein

WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.

Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less