Sunday’s residential fire on Lukes Wood Road likely was caused by a faulty electrical device, officials say.
Though the Mother’s Day blaze was contained to the garage, the damage to the structure and a vehicle inside “were extensive,” the New Canaan Fire Department said in a press release.
With the preventable fire in mind, the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s office is urging residents who are willing to make an appointment for a complimentary fire safety assessment of their home (see contact information below).
“This Community Risk Reduction Program for residences is part of the New Canaan Fire Department’s longstanding and continuous commitment to the prevention of fires,” officials said in the release.
The fire safety reviews cover: escape plans; smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations; placement and use of fire extinguishers; advice on electrical outlets, cords and power strips; and information related to mechanical equipment such as heating systems and clothes dryers, among other matters.
In a safety inspection, the fire marshal checks homes “room-by-room from attic to basement, garage, exterior, and outbuildings,” the release said.
“The reviews take approximately one hour and are equally helpful for long-time residents, those who have changed residences, and first-time homeowners,” it said.
Homeowners are invited to email the Fire Marshal’s Office at donna.hutter@newcanaanct.gov to arrange an appointment. For more information contact Fire Marshal Paul Payne at 203-594-3034.
I’d love the NCFD to publish in the paper(s) basics to look out for. E.g., what to look for in power strips, when do discard older ones, how often to look at lamp cords, etc. I recently tossed an extension cord that had a crack in the sheath bc I feared that could start a fire.
May not answer all of the safety related questions but our educational resource page is a good start.
https://www.newcanaan.info/public_safety/education_center/education_resources.php#outer-4695