New Build? “New Codes”, says Westport Fire Marshal
Westport Fire Marshal Terry Dunn with Building Official Smith. Contributed photoPress Release:Attention Architects and Contractors: The Westport Building and Fire Marshal’s Offices have issued the following statement regarding the new Connecticut Building Codes.
The 2022 Connecticut Fire Safety Code, Fire Prevention Code and State Building Code was granted legislative approval and will go into effect on Saturday, October 1, 2022. The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with the Westport Building Department would like to remind all design professionals that permits issued after October 1, 2022, will need to be designed utilizing these news Codes. The State of Connecticut makes amendments to the model Codes and a link to the Connecticut Amendments can be found here. “Utilizing these new Code sets, our office will continue to ensure the highest standard of fire and life safety and as such all new buildings will be constructed to the standards set forth in the new Codes”, said Westport Fire Marshal Terry Dunn.
Westport Building Official Steve Smith said, “These new Codes will affect both residential and commercial construction activities in town. This is to ensure the safety of our residents and property owners. These Code changes apply to every municipality in the State of Connecticut.”
Westport plans to offer training seminars in the near future. Please visit District 8 Building Officials for monthly meeting and upcoming seminars.
Fire Department: Gas Leak near Brooks Corner on Main Street; Avoid Area
The Westport Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 10 this morning for the report of a gas leak on Main Street in the area of Brooks Corner, Elm Street. The area has been closed off and the public is warned to avoid the area while they manage the situation.
Westport Fire Department: Fire Danger “Extreme” Today; Conditions “not seen since the 1960s”
Today’s Fire Danger Level: Extreme
Westport Fire Department: When the fire danger is "extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days.According to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Danger Report, all of Fairfield County is at “extreme” fire danger today. Fire Chief Michael Kronick said, “All fires are potentially serious, but fires under “extreme conditions” start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely.”
If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw it. Extreme fire danger means fires start and can spread quickly.
After another month of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, our region, not usually associated with drought, is experiencing near-historic drought conditions not seen since the 1960s.
“Residents should not be alarmed but take steps now to reduce their water usage,” said Fire Chief Michael Kronick, Emergency Management Director. “You can prepare by being proactive and conscientious of your water usage and be alert of the fire danger.”
Now is the time to take measures to reduce the impact of the drought conditions, including:
Reduce automatic outdoor irrigation
Postpone the planting of any new lawns or vegetation
Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
Follow any additional conservation requests issued by water suppliers or municipalities
For more information from the Connecticut Drought Information Center, please click here.
Tips on water saving measures can be found on the Department of Public Health’s website here.
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Fire Department: Car Flips Over, Crashes through Fence off Wilton Road
At just after 5:30 today, first responders were dispatched to the area of Wilton Road near Cross Brook Lane for the report of a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle rolled over. Upon arrival of emergency services, a vehicle was found to have lost control and left the roadway, rolling over a stone wall and into an adjacent fence. Wilton Road was shut down between Newtown Turnpike and Marilane for a short time while the scene was active. No reports on what caused the accident or if any injuries were suffered. Contributed photo by Westport Fire Department.