News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Mark Your Location

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Many residents and business owners do not think about the importance of a well-marked location. First responders, Fire, Police and EMS may have the difficult task of locating an address in a critical situation; one that may mean the difference between life and death. In this regard it is imperative that street numbers must be displayed and visible to the street according to the Town Code. Numbers should ideally be 4 inches high with good color contrast. It is recommended by the Fire Department that both front and rear entry and exit doors be marked.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Fireplace and CO Safety

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As the temperature drops as it has been, I begin to worry about a couple of things – CO poisoning and fireplace ash disposal. With the cold weather we tend to close up our homes and our heating systems are working over-time to keep up with the demand. We also want to warm up our cars before we venture out into the cold abyss. CO (carbon monoxide) is the by-product of incomplete combustion so it can be all around us; cars, boilers, furnaces, water heaters, generators, pressure washers, air compressors, gas fireplaces/logs to name a few. Following are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe during the cold weather:

Always insure fireplace damper is fully open before lighting.

News

Officials: Kitchen Fire at East Avenue Business Caused $70,000 in Damage

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A Dec. 23 kitchen fire at an East Avenue business caused about $70,000 in damage, officials said this week. The fire at Fjord Fish Market was caused by a gas explosion, according to Fire Marshal Paul Payne. “It certainly was not intentional,” Payne said during his monthly update to members of the Fire Commission at their regular meeting, held at the firehouse on Main Street. “One of the workers there turned the wrong valve, they lit the pilot for the fryer, turned the wrong valve, let gas into the room, went to light the fryer, there was an explosion, it caught fire.”

The fire safety system kicked in properly and put out the fire, he said.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Taking Down Christmas Trees

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Taking down the Christmas tree isn’t nearly as much fun as putting it up. But the longer a tree stays up, the greater a fire hazard it becomes. All Christmas trees can burn, but a dried-out tree can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds. In a year where many people began decorating their homes earlier than usual, trees have been in homes longer than usual, presenting an increased risk of fire as the days go by. When Christmas is over or the tree begins to drop needles, dispose of it.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Thanksgiving Safety

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The greatest number of home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unattended cooking is by far the leading contributor in cooking fires. Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safe from fire. Top safety tips

Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye
on the food.