Owners Say Arson Caused Thanksgiving Shed Fire Behind Derby Pizzeria

Thanksgiving night brought unexpected drama to downtown Derby when a shed fire broke out behind the beloved Roseland Apizza. The incident raised concerns about possible arson, but firefighters managed to spare the landmark pizzeria from serious damage.

Firefighters from Derby and nearby towns rushed to the scene. Residents across the Naugatuck Valley and beyond watched closely, knowing how much this old-school pizza spot means to Derby and pizza lovers all over Connecticut.

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Thanksgiving Night Fire Behind Roseland Apizza

Officials said the Derby Fire Department got reports of a structure fire near Hawthorne Avenue and Talmadge Street around 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The flames came from a small 10×10 storage shed behind Roseland Apizza, one of Derby’s most recognizable restaurants.

Fire crews acted fast. Within about 10 minutes, firefighters had the blaze under control and fully out.

No one got hurt. The main restaurant didn’t suffer serious damage.

Crews stayed on scene for about an hour to help with the investigation and make sure nothing flared up again.

Firefighters’ Swift Response Draws Community Praise

The quick work by Derby firefighters stopped what could’ve been a major commercial fire on a busy holiday night. Mutual aid from neighboring towns—pretty standard for departments from Ansonia to Shelton—helped keep things contained.

The owners of Roseland Apizza thanked the Derby Fire Department, neighboring towns, bystanders who pitched in before crews arrived, and the Derby Police Department for their fast action and professionalism.

Owners Suspect Arson Targeting the Pizzeria

Official findings haven’t come out yet, but the owners of Roseland Apizza told followers and customers they believe the fire was set on purpose and aimed at their business. That claim immediately got people talking in Derby and across the Lower Naugatuck Valley, where the pizzeria has been a family favorite for decades.

Any arson case in Connecticut usually brings together local fire marshals, police, and sometimes state fire investigators. Like in New Haven, Bridgeport, or Hartford, investigators will look at burn patterns, ignition sources, and any security video to figure out how and why the fire started.

Community on Edge but Standing Behind a Local Institution

The idea that someone might target a beloved pizza spot shook a lot of residents, especially on a holiday about gratitude and community. Still, regulars from Derby, Milford, and Waterbury jumped on social media to show support, saying they’d keep coming while investigators sort things out.

For business owners from downtown Derby to commercial strips in Norwalk and beyond, the incident is a reminder about security cameras, outdoor lights, and staying connected with local police and fire departments.

Roseland Apizza: A Derby Landmark with National Recognition

Roseland Apizza isn’t just another neighborhood pizza joint. The Derby institution has earned national recognition over the years and attracts serious pizza fans from all over Connecticut and the Northeast.

That reputation is exactly why the Thanksgiving fire caught attention far beyond Hawthorne Avenue. In 2018, The Daily Meal named Roseland Apizza the 64th best pizza in America, which is no small feat in a country packed with famous pizzerias.

Food & Wine Magazine has highlighted the shop’s signature style, praising its big, “over-the-top” pies that spill over the pan. That feels right at home in a state known for bold flavors and passionate pizza debates from New Haven to New London.

High Praise from Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy—whose pizza reviews can make or break a place—gave Roseland Apizza an 8.6 rating. That score puts it in elite company.

For many pizza fans from Stamford and Danbury, that rating alone makes a trip to Derby feel almost required.

Back Open and Looking Ahead

Despite the scare, Roseland Apizza showed the kind of resilience longtime customers have come to expect. The pizzeria reopened the very next day at 3 p.m.

Staff reassured everyone it was safe to return and that their ovens were still very much in business. That quick comeback sent a clear message—the incident may have shaken the community, but it didn’t stop Derby’s famous pies from hitting the table.

As the investigation unfolds, local residents and pizza lovers from all over Connecticut are watching closely. In a state where food, family, and small businesses are tightly woven together, Roseland Apizza’s determination stands out.

From Derby’s downtown streets to the bustling restaurant scenes in New Haven and Stamford, you can feel how much people care. There’s something about a neighborhood pizzeria refusing to quit that just feels right, isn’t there?

Here is the source article for this story: Shed Fire Breaks Out Behind Popular Derby Pizzeria On Thanksgiving, Owners Claim It Was Arson

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