New Canaan Fire Marshal Offers Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan fire marshal's office has provided a list of outdoor fire safety tips for residents to keep in mind.

According to a news release provided by the fire marshal's office, enjoying a fire outdoors can be a wonderful way to gather with family and friends, but even a small fire can become dangerous when conditions or safety practices are overlooked.

New Canaan residents are asked to review these guidelines before lighting a fire pit, chiminea or campfire.

"Following these precautions helps protect your home, your neighbors and our community while allowing everyone to safely enjoy an outdoor fire," the release reads.

The following information was provided by the fire marshal's office:

• No building permit is required unless a permanent structure and/or lap or natural gas is installed.
• A burning permit is not required however the same rules would apply. Burning will not be permitted if the forest fire danger is rated high, very high or extreme and/or high wind days. When the air quality index is high according to the DEEP no burning will be allowed. (More information.)
• Burn only clean, non-processed wood (no pallets, construction debris, painted/treated wood or garbage).
• Burning is not permitted if it creates a nuisance for your neighbors, it is a good idea to check with them prior to burning. If the smoke from the fire pit is irritating to your neighbors, the fire department will ask that it be extinguished.
• It is recommended that the fire be at least 10 feet away from combustible walls (building).

Anyone with questions is asked to call the New Canaan Fire Department at 203-594-3410.