A large fire broke out in the Stonewood condominium complex on Richards Avenue in Norwalk early Monday evening, displacing dozens of residents.

Authorities say that flames damaged a single section of the building, but all 54 units accumulated from 3 to 6 inches of water. That left all of them uninhabitable for the time being.

Authorities say the fire started on the top floor, but a firewall helped keep the flames from spreading.

The fire forced fleeing residents to take shelter in a bus or the nearby Walmart as temperatures dipped below freezing. At least one man arrived to offer them coats.

After battling the fire, some firefighters emerged carrying pets out safely, but authorities say some pets remain missing and are believed to have perished in the flames. 

Officials did not immediately release more information. This is a developing story. Stick with News 12 Connecticut for updates.