As winter temperatures drop and home heating increases, officials are urging the public to follow critical safety steps to prevent similar incidents.

“Although ashes may look cool, they can hide hot embers for days,” said State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert. “We continue to see fires every year that start because ashes were placed in plastic containers, left on porches, or disposed of before they were fully cooled. These fires are preventable when proper steps are taken.”

The State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit has responded to several of these cases in recent weeks. Sgt. Shawn Benoit emphasized the ongoing risk:

“Even a single ember can ignite a deck, garage, or shed. Ashes should always be handled with caution, stored outdoors in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and given several days to cool before disposal.”

Fire Safe CT urges all residents who use fireplaces or woodstoves to follow these best practices:

Safe Ash Disposal

Allow ashes to cool for several days before discarding.
Use a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, never plastic, cardboard, or paper.
Store the container outside, away from buildings, decks, porches, garages, sheds, and dry vegetation.
Never bring an ash container inside or leave it near combustibles.

Home Safety Reminders

Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside and outside all sleeping areas.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level and near bedrooms.
Test all alarms monthly.
Replace any alarm over 10 years old, or sooner if malfunctioning.

“With the colder weather, we know people rely on fireplaces and woodstoves,” Volkert added. “We want families and communities to stay warm—and stay safe.”

Sgt. Benoit reiterated the importance of shared responsibility:

“A few extra minutes spent cooling and storing ashes properly can prevent a devastating fire. These simple precautions save lives and protect property.”

For more information on fire prevention and home safety, visit the Fire Safe CT website or contact your local fire department