Fire Prevention Month in Fairfield, CT

Fairfield, CT - During the month of October, Fairfield Firefighters will be visiting approximately 300 households to replace smoke detector batteries for our senior population. It’s part of a community-wide fire prevention effort. The Fairfield Fire Department has been providing this service annually for over fifteen years.

Since the beginning of this program, the Fairfield Fire Department has replaced thousands of batteries making sure that our senior community remains as safe as possible from the hazards of smoke and fire. The simple act of changing a battery cuts the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Although the program officially started on Friday, October 1, the Fairfield Fire Department will continue to replace batteries all month long. The department made its first visit to Mrs. Nancy Darrow (pictured) last week. Mrs. Darrow is the wife of the late Captain Clarence Darrow, who became Fairfield’s very first Fire Inspector on March 6, 1968. Assistant Chief Phil Higgins said, “We owe it to Captain Darrow for many of our Fire Prevention activities currently in place today." 

The Fairfield Fire Department reminds all residents that October is Fire Prevention Month. During the month, the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds the community to make sure that smoke detectors are placed inside every bedroom as well as outside all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors should be located on every floor, including the basement. Having working smoke detectors provides an early warning of fire. “Smoke moves very fast and the earliest warning shall provide for the earliest escape,” said Higgins.  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Almost 60% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.” Fire Chief Denis McCarthy stressed the importance of smoke detectors being in place and making sure that they work properly. He stated, "It is very important that smoke detectors get checked. Remember, when you change your clocks is a good time to check your batteries." 

Local businesses, such as Hemlock Hardware and Poster’s Hardware, will be assisting the department’s mission by providing discounts to both batteries and smoke alarms during the month of October.

While the Fire Department will continue to assist installing smoke detector batteries for Fairfield residents of every age, this annual program has had a tremendous impact with the senior population. Due to the positive feedback, the list for assistance continues to grow. 

Any interested senior resident can be added to the Fire Department’s Smoke Detector list by calling (203) 254-4720. The Fire Marshal’s Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.