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.

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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.

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

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On March 12 clocks were turned forward for Daylight Savings time.  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 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. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10 year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps indicating a low battery, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. When replacing a battery on the alarms that allow for that, follow a list of manufacturer’s batteries on the back of the alarm or in the manufacturer’s instructions. The smoke alarm may not work properly if an incorrect battery is used.