Two months after the nation was shocked by a deadly house fire in Stamford on Christmas morning, fire chiefs and marshals from across southwestern Connecticut came together to stress the importance of fire safety.

Officials urged residents to have working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and a metallic, fire-proof bucket for disposing ashes.

The chiefs say the detectors cost $20 each and added that it is important to place canisters several feet away from the house, in a safe place and away from any combustible materials.