In Wake of Three Structure Fires in New Canaan, Local Fire Marshal Issues Safety Tips

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Recently, New Canaan has suffered three major structure fires with two of them related to fireplace use. The cause of the third fire was not able to be definitively determined. There was also a small brush fire caused by dumping of fireplace ashes that caused no damage (fortunately). Several residents have called regarding concerns for their fireplaces. Following are some fireplace safety tips to help keep us safe as we move into the fireplace season:

Depending on amount and type of use, chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by certified chimney cleaners at least every few years – more often if used extensively or if wood stoves are used.  Older chimneys may require video inspection to check for cracked flue liners and loose mortar.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Holiday Fire Safety Tips

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As the holiday season fast approaches the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office wishes all residents a safe and healthy season and offers the following tips:

Candles and holidays go hand in hand and add wonderful warmth to the festive atmosphere. Candles must be kept away from other combustible decorations and never be left unattended. Embers from fire place ashes can remain hot for several days. If cleaning is necessary use a proper metal container with tight fitting lid for disposal. Always use a fireplace screen to contain flying embers.

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Fire Marshal: Change Smoke and CO Detector Batteries as Part of Daylight Savings Time

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“There is no greater tragedy than one that could have been prevented.” I cannot take credit for this statement, however, I could not agree more and the tragedy of home fires and the devastation they inflict is a perfect example. And when the prevention is as easy as installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors it becomes more ironic. 

This year daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 AM. (Remember “Spring ahead – Fall back”). In concert with the nationwide campaign “Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries,” the New Canaan Fire Department and the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office also want to remind everyone to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. By being proactive this also helps avoid that annoying “chirp” that inevitably starts at 2 in the morning.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal: Safety Tips During ‘National Fire Prevention Week’

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Each year more than 2,500 people die in fires, most of them in residential occupancies. 

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6 to 12 this year and the theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape – Plan Your Escape.” Fire service throughout the nation will be working to emphasize fire safety awareness as will the New Canaan Fire Department. Firefighters will be visiting schools throughout town giving demonstrations on how to stay fire safe. Also, school groups will be touring the fire house to learn about how the fire fighters live, train and work. There will also be a display of the history of the New Canaan Fire Company and the fire service in general at the New Canaan Historical Society at 13 Oenoke Ridge, now through the end of the month.

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Letter: ‘Thank You’ from New Canaan Rotary

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To The Editor:

On behalf of the Rotary Club of New Canaan we thank everyone who joined us at the 34th Annual Rotary Club Lobsterfest this past weekend. We served up 1,400 lobster dinners (and a few chicken dinners) to eager diners under the stars at the New Canaan Historical Society. Proceeds from this event will fund global and local charitable initiatives, many in our own backyard. We are indebted to our sponsors and thank: Hoyt Funeral Home, Rucci Law Group, Reynolds and Rowella, Santella Electric, Hobbs Inc., Karl Chevrolet, HTG Investment Advisors Inc.,  CAIM, Benchmark IT LLC, Walter Stewart’s Market, and Lambert, Toohey, and Rucci. As well, we thank the young men of the New Canaan High School SLoBS (Service League of Boys) for donating their time and effort, and to the New Canaan Historical Society for the use of their great lawn for the event.