After improperly disposed fireplace ashes ignited a fire in a garbage can enclosure in southern New Canaan early Wednesday, officials are urging residents to use a metal ash bucket with a lid to safely dispose of ashes.
What remains of a garbage can enclosure that caught fire before dawn on Jan. 6, 2016 because it contained improperly disposed fireplace ashes. Photo published with permission from its owner
Fire Marshal Fred Baker is calling the 12:37 a.m. fire “a close call” that could have been far worse if the enclosure itself were in the garage or adjacent to the house, instead of toward the end of the driveway.
The garbage can enclosure was “completely destroyed,” Baker said (see photo).
Embers can remain active in a fireplace for five days after flames have gone out, and a metal container with a tight lid is the only proper disposal method, safety officials say. (They’re available at Weed & Duryea in New Canaan.)
Click here for a full list of safe ash disposal tips.
For additional information regarding this, or any other fire safety topic, please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030.