Fairfield fire chief urges public safety while heating homes during freezing temperatures

Fairfield's fire chief says as temperatures drop, many residents will turn to alternative sources over the next few days - especially space heaters - and they should be treated very carefully.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2023, 5:22 PM

Updated 611 days ago

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Fairfield's fire chief is reminding the public to be safe while heating their homes as arctic air blasts Connecticut tonight and this weekend.
Chief Denis McCarthy says those who plan on using a fireplace should always put ashes in a metal container and put it well away from the house.
McCarthy says space heaters should never be used too close to combustibles and should never be left unattended.
He says space heaters should always be plugged in directly into the wall electrical outlet and not a power strip.
McCarthy says space heaters extension cords can degrade overtime and lead to a short circuit and a fire.
McCarthy says to never use a cooking stove as a heat source.
"It creates carbon monoxide. That's the biggest hazard. Make sure you check you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors," McCarthy says.