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Fire Safety

March 22, 2025 in Fire Safety

West Haven Firepit Regulations

There are few better ways to spend a summer evening that gathered around the firepit with friends. At the West Haven Fire Department, we agree. We are all committed to the health and happiness of the residents of our city, so please enjoy your firepit but do so safely and with consideration of your neighbors.

These are the rules for firepits in the City of West Haven:

  • Must be in an enclosed container with a spark arresting cover. A hole dug in the ground, or pile in the yard is not acceptable.
  • Must be 10 feet or more from any structure. Radiant heat can melt siding or worse cause fire spread.
  • Must burn seasoned wood. Brush, leaves, and refuse is not allowable.
  • Must not be a nuisance. Be responsible for the smoke. If others complain, the fire needs to be extinguished.
  • Must be attended. A responsible adult needs to be in attendance while the fire is burning.
  • Must have a water hose available.
  • DEEP Forest Fire Danger Level less than “High”. Check the linked DEEP Forest Fire Danger Level. It must not be listed as “High”, “Very High”, or “Extreme” to burn.

Any fire that does not meet the above requirements will be ordered extinguished by the West Haven Fire Department and may be subject to the Statutes for Open Burning.

Please be sure to extinguish and fully cool all fires before leaving them unattended.

This is an example of a compliant firepit.
This is a non-compliant burn pile.

July 11, 2024 in AnnouncementsFire Safety

Safety Tips During Hurricane Season

June 1, 2024 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The prime point of danger for Connecticut lies between August and October.

With the National Weather Service predicting an above-normal activity level for the Atlantic region this year, here are some tips to be prepared and stay safe.

November 8, 2023 in Fire Safety

Did You Know? The Functions of Truck 22

DID YOU KNOW? If you’ve been out and about in West Haven, chances are you’ve seen our Truck 22 and maybe you’ve wondered, well what exactly does it do? Well, here are some of its functions:

Elevated master stream: Our tower ladder can be used to deliver water to the upper floors of a building, where it may be difficult for firefighters to reach with ground-based equipment.

Stable platform for victim removal: Truck 22 can provide a stable platform for firefighters to remove victims from high places, such as rooftops or upper floors of buildings, without having to descend the ladder.

Ventilation: Truck 22 can be used to ventilate a building by creating openings in the roof or walls, allowing smoke and heat to escape.

Equipment transportation: We’ll use Truck 22 to transport equipment and personnel to high places, such as rooftops or upper floors of buildings, where they may be needed.

Technical rescue: We can use Truck 22 in technical rescue operations, such as rope or other specialty rescues.

So, the next time you see Truck 22 out on the streets or in front of quarters, remember it’s not just a big, long fire truck, it’s a multi-faceted tool that serves several different life saving purposes.

October 31, 2023 in Fire Safety

Fire Safety: Ventilation Tactics

Ventilation. As seen here in this training evolution, establishing a source of ventilation for smoke is pivotal for members on the inside battling the flames. Opening or if necessary removing windows in the location from which the fire originated allows members fighting the fire from an interior position that advantage of clearer vision. Any advantage on the fire ground is crucial and any way in which we can increase member safety at these scenes is one we’ll always pursue.