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New Canaan Fire Marshal: ‘Close Before You Doze’ 

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It’s time to add “Close your door” to your fire safety checklist. We all know how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans and a safe meeting place in case of a fire. Closing doors in your home is also important for your safety. Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down and can even save your life if you should become trapped. Doze Safely: Approximately 50% of home fires happen between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Close your door before you go to sleep.

Albe Bassett

Lightning Strike Ignites Fire That Damages New Canaan Home

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A lightning strike caused a structure fire in a New Canaan home Tuesday afternoon, officials said, doing extensive damage to its kitchen and floor. New Canaan firefighters responded to the Nubel Lane fire at about 2 p.m. after lightning struck a mature oak tree in the back yard, according to Fire Marshal Paul Payne. “The tree is in close proximity to a buried copper gas line to a gas grill,” Payne told NewCanaanite.com in an email. “The area of origin for this fire was in the basement where this gas line entered the dwelling. Basement ceiling/ kitchen floor above.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Fireworks Safety 

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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. 
Always keep at least 30’ away from spectators and structures and strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions. 
Make sure you are in a clear, open area with no dry vegetation or other combustibles that can easily ignite. 
Never lean over a display when igniting. • Always have a garden hose or bucket of water available.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal on ‘Grill Safety’

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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.

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

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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.