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PHOTOS: Fire from Parked Car Sparks Blaze in Merritt Apartments Garage on Saturday Night

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A fire that started with an unoccupied, parked car in a 4-bay garage on the edge of downtown New Canaan Saturday evening led to a blaze that burned through the structure’s roof, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, though no foul play is suspected, according to New Canaan Fire Department Capt. Mike Socci. No one was hurt, though the fire caused property damage, including to the early 1960s-model Chevy Nova where it appeared to have started, he said. “The garage was full of plastic and hydrocarbons and due to what was burning and the sudden smoke, there were some personal belongings that did get ruined,” Socci said. After smoke was detected in the area, firefighters received a call around 6:40 p.m. and knocked the fire down quickly, he said.

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PHOTOS: SUV Sideswipes Smaller Car at Lakeview and Millport on Monday

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An SUV sideswiped a smaller car at Millport and Lakeview Avenues at midday Monday, officials said. No one was seriously injured in the two-vehicle accident, according to members of the New Canaan Police Department at the scene. Shortly before 12 p.m., a Honda SUV traveling west on Lakeview Avenue and approaching the intersection from the cemetery side struck the driver’s-side door of a Saturn hatchback traveling south on Millport, toward the one-way section, police said. After the collision SUV rolled back from the intersection, hopping the curb on the northern side of Lakeview Avenue Bridge, while the smaller car came to rest in the oncoming traffic lane, facing west on Lakeview Avenue. The New Canaan Fire Department and New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps also were on scene, and authorities directed traffic through a single lane while a flatbed came for the vehicles.

New Canaan Fire Department

Safe Ash Disposal: Free Drawing for Bucket

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This fall, the New Canaan Fire Department is holding a free drawing for 8 metal ash disposal buckets, courtesy of New Canaan Firefighters and Weed and Duryea. Entry forms can be obtained at Weed & Duryea, at New Canaan Fire Headquarters or by email by sending your name and address to the New Canaan Firefighters at newcanaanfirefighters@hotmail.com (New Canaan residents only please)—the form also can be found below as a downloadable PDF. The drawing will be December 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM Weed and Duryea. Five Days. That is how long an ember can remain active in fireplace ashes after the flames have gone out.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues ‘Candle Safety’ Reminder

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As the holidays approach, we all start thinking about decorating our homes for festive times and candles are usually a big part of these decorations. Candles add a warm welcoming feel to any occasion, but if not used safely the most festive occasions can quickly be ruined. Following is a few safety tips to keep us safe for the holidays:

Keep combustible decorations such as evergreens or other decorations at least 12 inches away from candles. Make sure candles are out of reach of children and pets. Always place candles on/in noncombustible bases.

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

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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 ends on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m.—remember, “Spring ahead – Fall back.” In concert with the nation wide campaign “Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries,” the New Canaan Fire Department and the Newcomers Club of New Canaan 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. Also, if you have an alarm system, having annual servicing to ensure proper operation is vital.