Fireplace Safety Tips from the West Hartford Fire Department

A resident of 2267 Shippan Ave. in Stamford threw Yule log, which burned in the Badger family's fireplace Christmas Eve, into "a trash enclosure or a mudroom on the first floor" at around 3 a.m. Christmas Day, Stamford fire marshals told .

Within two hours a "wood ember" ignited and a fire broke out in the home, killing Madonna Badger's parents and her three children, reported. She and her friend Michael Borcina escaped, according to Stamford Patch.

This tragedy also highlighted the importance of having working smoke detectors in all areas of the home as specified by building codes.

West Hartford Fire Department's Interim Fire Chief Gary Allyn provided the following information for residents:

The message to take away from the tragedy in Stamford is to use a non-combustible container with a lid to remove ashes from a fireplace or wood stove. Once the ashes are removed from the fireplace or stove, the container should be placed outside away from the house, garage, or any other combustible materials until the ashes have cooled. 

If wood is being burned in a fireplace, make sure there is a screen in front of the fireplace and no combustible item should be within 36” of the fireplace opening.  The best plan for fireplaces is also not to leave the fire unattended. Fireplaces are more for ambience not for home heating like a wood stove.