New Canaan Fire Marshal: Forest and Brush Fire Prevention Tips

The New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office is teaming up with the national push during National Fire Prevention Week. The goal? To spotlight the real dangers of forest and brush fires in Connecticut and how to avoid them.

Officials, leaning on advice from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), urge homeowners, hikers, and visitors to step up their fire safety game. Open burning and campfires need special attention, especially in places like New Canaan, Ridgefield, Westport, and Norwalk, where woods and thick brush turn open flames into real threats fast.

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Why Forest and Brush Fire Prevention Matters

Connecticut’s landscape shifts from the forested hills of Litchfield and Stamford’s parks to marshes along Milford’s coast. This variety brings both fun and risk. Even though giant wildfires aren’t as common here as they are out west, dry spells, forgotten campfires, or piles of brush can turn risky in no time.

Fire officials keep saying it: preventing fires beats trying to stop them once they’re roaring.

Lessons from the Fire Marshal’s Office

New Canaan’s Fire Marshal wants everyone to know that safe burning isn’t just smart—it’s the law. Local rules spell out where and when you can burn, and breaking them can put entire neighborhoods in harm’s way.

Whether you’re having a backyard fire in Fairfield or toasting marshmallows near Danbury, a little prep and caution go a long way.

Campfire Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

DEEP and fire officials suggest a few simple steps to keep campfires from sparking trouble:

Clear a 10-foot circle around your fire—get rid of anything flammable.
Keep a shovel or a bucket of water close at hand.
Never walk away and leave the fire burning.
Make sure the fire’s out—really out—before you leave.

Applying Safety Everywhere

Those tips aren’t just for campsites in Redding or hiking trails in Kent. They matter just as much for backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces all over Connecticut.

Building good fire safety habits protects not just your place, but your neighbors and local wildlife too.

Creating a Fire-Safe Zone Around Your Home

Homeowners in towns like Greenwich, Shelton, and Oxford should build a defensible space around their homes, especially if they live near lots of trees. Here’s what that looks like:

Clear away plants and debris within 30 feet of your house.
Prune the lower branches of evergreens so ground fires can’t climb up.
Trim back branches hanging over your roof or chimney.
Clean out gutters often—don’t let leaves and twigs pile up.
Keep firewood stacked well away from the house.

Fire-Resistant Materials Make a Difference

Choosing fire-resistant roofing can really help cut your risk during a wildfire. In Connecticut’s rural and suburban spots, upgrading materials is a smart move, especially if your home borders woods or farmland.

Preparing for an Emergency

If fire threatens your home, firefighters need to reach you fast. Make sure your address is easy to spot, driveways are clear, and roadside trees are trimmed back.

These steps can shave off precious minutes in an emergency, whether you’re in Enfield, Hartford, or anywhere else.

Escape Plans and Ash Disposal

Fire officials say every family should have an escape plan—and practice it so everyone knows what to do. When you’re cleaning out ashes from a fireplace or wood stove, soak them with water first and use a metal container.

This simple habit keeps smoldering embers from sparking new fires. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Staying Compliant and Safe

Compliance with local burning laws isn’t just about following rules—it’s about looking out for your neighbors. Whether you’re in downtown Bridgeport or tucked away in Glastonbury’s quieter corners, safe fire practices matter.

These habits protect people and property alike. If you stick to the Fire Marshal’s guidance, especially during Fire Prevention Week, you’re doing your part to keep Connecticut safer for everyone.

Here is the source article for this story: New Canaan Fire Marshal: Forest and Brush Fire Prevention

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