Following Fire Fatalities—

State Fire Chiefs Urge

Continued Caution

Hartford — In the months of January and February 2007, the state of Connecticut has seen an alarming increase in fatal fires.

“In these two months, there have been five separate fatal fires in our state,” stated Jeff Morrissette, state fire administrator, “and this is in addition to numerous other fires where individuals are injured.” In fact, three of these fatalities happened in a two-day period with fires in Waterbury, Westbrook, and Meriden.

Nationally, a quick check of media reports for just the first 19 days of February reveals 77 house-fire fatalities. Thirty fatalities were single or double fatalities, and 46 deaths resulted from 15 fires and were counted as multiple fatalities (three or more individuals).

Winter is the worst season for fires due to reliance on heating systems and use of supplemental heaters. Another common problem during the winter is carbon monoxide incidents. Carbon monoxide (CO) can be generated from any fuel burning appliance. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is not detectable by smell or taste.

CO accumulates in the human body over a period of time, so an extended exposure to a small concentration can be as devastating as a high concentration over a short period of time.

“In a two-day period of February, 13 people were hospitalized in two separate carbon monoxide incidents in Ansonia and Newington,” said John Blaschik of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. “Improper use of supplemental heaters and the improper disposal of hot ashes are common causes of winter time fires and other emergencies that often lead to injuries and fatalities.”

The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) is equally concerned about the rash of fire fatalities and injuries suffered by Connecticut residents.

“Local fire departments are responsible for providing public fire education to its residents and rising fatality rates have local chiefs concerned,” state Chief Jamie DiPace of the Avon Fire Department and Vice President of CFCA. “Residents need to be vigilant about fire safety in their homes and workplaces and the effort needs to be a family affair,” stated Mr DiPace.

The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control in partnership with the Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association ask all residents to follow these simple winter fire safety rules:

*Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be sure they are working properly.

*Have an escape with a meeting place, and practice it. Each room in the house should have two ways out.

*Once you exit your home, do not return. Too many people lose their lives going back into a burning home.

*Stoves are not made for heating homes.

*Supplemental heating devices should be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Keep combustibles clear, at least three feet away. Do not leave supplemental heating devices unattended.

*If burning wood in the fireplace, make sure chimneys are properly maintained.

*Be sure to dispose of fireplaces ashes in a closed metal container, away from the house. Ashes can retain their heat for hours, even days, and can cause nearby combustibles to ignite.

*Have the entire heating system checked for proper operation annually.

*During winter storm power outages, candles often cause fires. Be sure to burn candles in a sturdy base that will not tip over and never burn candles unattended.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is part of the Department of Public Safety and is responsible for investigating fires in the state of Connecticut. The Connecticut Fire Academy is the teaching arm of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. Part of their mission is educating the public in fire and burn prevention.

The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association is responsible for promoting the position of Chief Fire Officer in Connecticut serves the community through continuing education, unity in the fire service, safety, and professionalism.