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New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Holiday Fire Safety Tips

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As the holiday season fast approaches the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office wishes all residents a safe and healthy season and offers the following tips:

Candles and holidays go hand in hand and add wonderful warmth to the festive atmosphere. Candles must be kept away from other combustible decorations and never be left unattended. Battery operated candles are a good alternative. Christmas trees must be kept watered so they remain moist. Make sure Christmas lights and other electrical fixtures are in good working order.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Fireplace Safety Tips

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Following are some fireplace safety tips to help keep us safe as we move into the winter fireplace season:

Ashes may contain hot embers for several days.  If cleaning is required always use a metal ash bucket with a tight sealing lid available at most hardware or home improvement stores. Always insure fire place damper is fully open before lighting. You must wait for at least 24 hrs. to close the fireplace flue damper.  The smoldering embers may produce carbon monoxide (CO). 
Never use combustible liquids to help start a fire. Only burn dry, seasoned hardwoods.  Never burn trash or wrapping papers.  This may overwhelm the flue causing the fire to spill out of the fireplace.