Brookfield Carbon Monoxide Incidents Linked To Fireplace Ashes: Fire Officials

BROOKFIELD, CT — Fire officials in Brookfield are reminding residents to safely dispose of fireplace ashes after responding to several carbon monoxide incidents in recent weeks linked to ashes left indoors.

The Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company said the incidents occurred after residents cleaned out wood stoves or fireplaces and left the ashes inside the home.

Even when ashes appear cold, hidden embers can remain hot and continue to smolder, potentially producing carbon monoxide or even reigniting a fire, according to firefighters.

Officials recommend placing ashes in a metal container and moving them outside immediately after cleaning out a stove or fireplace. The container should be kept away from the house and other combustible materials.

Firefighters also urged residents to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Units should be replaced every 10 years, and alarms with disposable batteries should have those batteries replaced every six months.