With Labor Day Weekend here and summer nearing its end, the Fairfield Fire Department would like to remind residents and their guests that novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices, and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut, nor are sky or Kongming lanterns, according to the Office of State Fire Marshal. The General Information Notice sent out on February 25th of last year by State Fire Marshal Robert J. Ross reports that “a number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to the use of fireworks” and warns that “if a fire or explosion caused by fireworks causes injuries or damage, or poses the risk of either, the person responsible could be charged with a felony criminal offense.” The fatal fire in Southington late in June is being linked to the illegal use of fireworks, according to state and local fire investigators.
Any further questions regarding safety and fire hazards may be directed to Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner or the Office of the Fairfield Fire Marshal at 203-254-4720.