(03/08/07) FAIRFIELD ? Fire officials are urging southwestern Connecticut residents to implement escape plans in light of three recent area fires.

Major fires broke out in Stamford on Monday and in Bridgeport on Tuesday. In both instances, flames broke out in one building and spread to other structures. Luckily, no one was hurt in either of the incidents. However, a fire in the Bronx Wednesday night claimed the life of eight children and one adult.

Following the recent fires, Fairfield Deputy Fire Marshal Christopher Tracey says a family fire escape plan can mean the difference between life and death. He suggests families outline two exits from a residence and practice the plan frequently. "They should do it in a controlled atmosphere," said Tracey.

"If you have a ladder you want to try, do it in a safe and comfortable atmosphere before you have to do it when it's 3 in the morning and there's a fire."

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