Fire Marshal

September 2020

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have been made aware of a company sending what looks like formal correspondence using both an “nfpa.org” email address and an “nfpa.org” web reference in the body of the letter and indicating that a “fire inspection” is required or has been performed. These messages threaten the recipient with civil violations and penalties for failing to respond. It appears the communication is aimed at scaring recipients into scheduling and paying for fire inspections.

Please be advised that this communication is in no way related to NFPA. As you know, NFPA does not conduct fire inspections, issue inspection reports, levy fines, or perform activity related to code enforcement. If you receive an email of this nature, we urge you to use caution in handling it. If you are unsure of the local code enforcement procedures, you may want to check with your local fire agencies for more information about the requirements in your location.

Winter Holiday Safety Bulletin

Winter holiday safety

Read the full National Fire Protection Association document here

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday decorating 

  • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are fame resistant or fame retardant. 
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. 
  • Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. 
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords to not get damaged.
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday Entertaining

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles
  • Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children to do not touch them.
  • Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.


Please Water Your Christmas Tree

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree. In this video, NIST fire researchers demonstrate what could happen if a fire starts in a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry Christmas tree. 

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

More Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Local Fire Marshal Duties
We are bringing to your attention the many varied and important duties that are required of and performed by the local fire marshal.

Each year, the number of fires, as well as deaths and traumatic injuries from fire, increase throughout the country. We cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of the duties of the local fire marshals as they relate to life safety and protection of property from fire within the community.

Each community must recognize the responsibilities vested at the local level and should afford the local fire marshal the necessary assistance and cooperation required to fulfill their statutory mandates.

Local fire marshals are responsible for the enforcement of many of the sections found in Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as well as numerous codes that are promulgated under the provision of these statutes.