Cargo Fire Causes Traffic Chaos on Merritt Parkway in Stamford

Stamford Fire Department Responds to Cargo Fire on Merritt Parkway A cargo fire near exit 36 of the Merritt Parkway in Stamford, Connecticut, caused significant traffic delays on the afternoon of March 20, 2025. A bystander's video, captured from an overpass, shows a line of vehicles slowing to a crawl as smoke billows from the nearby woods. The fire's cause is still under investigation. "I could see the smoke from quite a distance," said one driver who was stuck in the resulting traffic jam. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene, and the fire was contained within a few hours. While the fire did not spread to any buildings or vehicles, the incident caused significant traffic disruption during rush hour. The Stamford Fire Department is urging drivers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when driving near wooded areas during dry conditions.