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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Fire Renders Strawberry Hill Road Home Uninhabitable Late Sunday

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A fire late Sunday rendered a Strawberry Hill Road home uninhabitable, officials say. New Canaan firefighters at 6:24 p.m. were dispatched to the home at 57 Strawberry Hill Road on a report of a blaze in its chimney, Fire Marshal Fred Baker said in a press release. 

There, they found a fire burning in the walls around the chimney and into the attic, Baker said. “The fire appears to have been caused by a breach in the chimney system, allowing hot embers to escape and ignite the structural members,” he said in the release. The homeowners were home at the time and no one was injured, Baker said. They’ve made arrangements to stay with neighbors, he said.

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Fire Engulfs Dan’s Highway Home on Saturday Afternoon; No Injuries, Cause Under Investigation [UPDATED]

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New Canaan firefighters on Saturday afternoon battled a blaze that engulfed much of a Dan’s Highway home. No one was injured in the three-alarm fire at 322 Dan’s Highway, and the cause is under investigation, officials said. Firefighters were alerted around 2:25 p.m., according to dispatch records. 

“First arriving units found the roof over the garage fully involved in fire,” Fire Marshal Fred Baker in a press release. The fire was declared under control at about 4 p.m., Baker said. The dwelling’s occupants were home at the time the fire started, he said.

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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.