News

New Canaan Fire Marshal on ‘Grill Safety’

By Paul Payne | May 24, 2023

With Memorial Day approaching, the grilling season is upon us. To ensure everyone can enjoy their backyard bistros without unfortunate mishaps, following is a list of steps you can take to avoid being “well done”:

Propane and Charcoal BBQ grills should be used outdoors only. The grill should be placed at least 3 feet away from combustibles, including your home, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. Make sure that your grill is serviced and cleaned annually, following manufacturer’s instructions for care and use. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start your charcoal – only use approved charcoal lighter fluid.  Once the charcoal is started NEVER add additional lighter fluid.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Red Flag Warnings—Increased Fire Risk

By Paul Payne | April 13, 2023

A “Red Flag Warning,” issued by the National Weather Service, means warm temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds are expected. Combined, these produce an increased risk of fire danger. Wildfires are any unplanned fires that burn in forests and other wild lands such as shrubs or grass communities. They are a powerful force we must understand and respect in order to best help control them. Nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by humans and could have been prevented. 
This video shows a fire on the westbound shoulder of Route I-84 between exit 6 and 7.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

By Paul Payne | March 16, 2023

On March 12 clocks were turned forward for Daylight Savings time.  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 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. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10 year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps indicating a low battery, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. When replacing a battery on the alarms that allow for that, follow a list of manufacturer’s batteries on the back of the alarm or in the manufacturer’s instructions. The smoke alarm may not work properly if an incorrect battery is used.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Mark Your Location

By Paul Payne | March 7, 2023

Many residents and business owners do not think about the importance of a well-marked location. First responders, Fire, Police and EMS may have the difficult task of locating an address in a critical situation; one that may mean the difference between life and death. In this regard it is imperative that street numbers must be displayed and visible to the street according to the Town Code. Numbers should ideally be 4 inches high with good color contrast. It is recommended by the Fire Department that both front and rear entry and exit doors be marked.