Three school buses have been destroyed by fire in Bethel. 

Firefighters responded to the bus depot on Henry Street just before 2:30am Sunday.  Fire officials say an observant Bethel Police Officer smelled smoke in the Greenwood Avenue area and recognized it wasn't just chimney smoke.  The officer began to search downtown and found one mini-bus and one regular school bus fully involved. A second full size bus was catching fire, about 50 feet from the building. 

Stony Hill officials say the situation could have been much worse if it weren't for the officer. 

West Redding Volunteer Fire Department responded mutual aid with an engine and a tanker.

The cause is under investigation by the Bethel Emergency Management & Fire Marshal office. 

According to an email from Superintendent Christine Carver to parents and staff, it appears the fire originated with a small van, and because of the high winds, the fire spread to two full-size buses, which were spares.  First Student provided a replacement van.

(Photo: Bethel Fire & EMS)

The bus company checked the other buses to ensure there was no impact to the rest of the fleet and bus runs will not be affected today.