New Canaan Fire Marshal: Grilling Safety

Outdoor grilling remains one of the most popular ways to cook food. A grill placed close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Over 10,000 home fires are started by grills on a yearly average. 64% of all U.S. households own at least one outdoor bbq, grill or smoker. 

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. 
Never leave your grill unattended. 
Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. 
Clean your grill by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. 
Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. 

Charcoal Grills 

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. 
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid.

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Make Your Thanksgiving Dinner Safer

[Paul Payne is the New Canaan fire marshal.]
From stuffing to brining to leftovers, everyone has a favorite Thanksgiving turkey menu. As you plan your holiday meal, follow these turkey tips from the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s office. They will help you keep your Thanksgiving dinner delicious and safe. Cooking is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. So there’s no better time to focus on safety.

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Fireworks Safety

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. Before your family celebrates this year, the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office wishes to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. Only sparklers and “shower” type fireworks are legal to sell and use in Connecticut. No aerial or exploding type fireworks are permitted to be sold or used in the state. (Go to the Family Fourth – you will see a tremendous professional show!)
Only persons 16 years and older may use the above fireworks.

New Canaan Fire Marshal on ‘Grilling Safety’

Outdoor grilling remains one of the most popular ways to cook food. A grill placed close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Over 10,000 home fires are started by grills on a yearly average. 64% of all US households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker. Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

Fire Marshal: NCFD Responded to Two CO Incidents Sunday

The New Canaan Fire Department responded to two carbon monoxide as incidents on Sunday night caused by cars left running in the garage. The CO levels that were found in the house could be dangerous and cause serious health effects. One person was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Today’s technologies of remote staring and keyless fobs present challenges. A driver does not have to turn and remove a key from the ignition to turn off the vehicle.