Fire Marshal - Town of Prospect

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Prospect Fire Marshal's Office is to reduce the economic and human losses associated with fire through public and school education, fire code enforcement, and fire cause investigation."

About Us

The Fire Marshal's Office is a division of the Town of Prospect. The Office handles public fire safety education, fire code plan review, fire code enforcement, and fire origin and cause investigation.

Fire Marshal Role

It is the mission of the Fire Marshal’s Office to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of fire by increasing the awareness and knowledge of the residents and businesses respecting fire safety, and by ensuring compliance with Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the regulations and policies set forth by the Connecticut Office of the State Fire Marshal the Connecticut Fire Safety Code and all applicable NFPA regulations. This mission will be accomplished through fire prevention education, fire investigations and yearly compliance inspections.

The Office of the Prospect Fire Marshal consists of a part-time Fire Marshal, three deputy Fire Marshals and an administrative assistant. Our staff in charged performs duties of which are mandated by the Connecticut General Statutes. These duties include yearly inspections of all properties, with the exception of one and two-family homes. The Fire Marshal is required to perform investigations as they pertain to the origin and cause of fires that are in the Town of Prospect.

Our staff is mandated to issue permits for hazardous operations, which include but are not limited to the installation of a permanent propane tank and piping, heating fuel storage tanks, gasoline and diesel fuel storage tanks, blasting permits, cold sparklers and commercial fireworks displays. In addition to these mandated functions, the Fire Marshal’s Office staff offers public fire prevention education programs to all who request a presentation. We especially love working with our town schools, teaching our students about fire prevention and we always look forward to Fire Prevention Month in October.

Our staff attend many hours of training each year. Training courses include the latest Fire Safety Code theories and the latest building construction procedures; as well as fire investigation courses, fire protection systems, and many other subjects. The courses attended are in various locations throughout the State. Fire Marshals and Deputy Fire Marshals are required to complete 90 hours of training over three-year cycles to maintain their certification. Training that is mandated is for all positions in the fields of fire prevention, hazardous materials operations and processes, and proper fire investigation procedures per year to maintain certification through the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety.

Contact Us

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday

9:00am - 2:00pm

Phone:

(203) 758-3370

Fax:

(203)758-7274

Fire Marshal

Mark Goletz

Email:

Email Fire Marshal

Deputy Fire Marshal

Ben DelMonico

Email:

Email Deputy Fire Marshal

Mailing Address:

ATTN: Prospect Fire Marshal

36 Center ST.

Prospect, CT 06712

Important Links

Office of State Fire Marshal

Fire Safety Checklist for Homeowners

Chesprocott Home

Freedom of Information Act Form

CT Dept of Public Safety

U.S Fire Administration

FIRE CODE & REQUIREMENTS

The Prospect Fire Marshal's Office enforces the requirements of the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, as well as NFPA fire codes:

International Fire Code (2021 Edition): for NEW Construction and Alterations to existing buildings.

NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (2021 Edition): for Existing Buildings

NFPA 1 – Life Safety Code (2021 Edition): for ALL Buildings: Processes, Activities, & Hazardous Materials.

Please note that the 2022 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code contains amendments, additions, and deletions to the model codes. These amendments are specific to the State of Connecticut and can be downloaded from the state website link below:

https://portal.ct.gov/das/office-of-state-building-inspector/building-and-fire-code-adoption-process?language=en_US

FIRE CODE INSPECTIONS

Fire Safety Code inspections are required in all commercial properties and all residential occupancies with the exception of single and two-family homes.

The following is a list of some Basic Fire Code requirements.

FIRE ALARM AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:

Documentation showing fire alarm system testing and servicing shall be provided. Fire alarm systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 72 requirements.
Documentation showing sprinkler system testing and servicing shall be provided. Sprinkler systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 25 requirements.

EXIT SIGNS:

All exit signs shall be properly illuminated.
All batteries for backup power shall be fully functional.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

All fire extinguishers require annual service and shall have current year inspection tags attached at all times.
All fire extinguishers shall be properly wall-mounted.

EMERGENCY LIGHTS:

All emergency lights shall be in proper working order.
All emergency lights shall be tested once a month for 30 seconds and once a year for 90 minutes. Documentation of testing shall be kept on premise.

EXIT DOORS:

All exit doors and access to said doors shall be kept clear and free of all obstructions.
All exit doors shall be free of deadbolts, slide bolts and padlocks. Only one locking mechanism is permitted per door.

COMMERCIAL COOKING BUSINESSES:

Provide documentation for semi-annual hood and duct cleaning. Hood and duct maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 96 requirements.
Provide documentation that fire suppression systems have been tested and serviced every six months as required by NFPA 17 & 17A standards.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE IS A LIST OF BASIC FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS; OTHER VIOLATIONS MAY BE IDENTIFIED UPON INSPECTION.

Requests, Reports and / or Documents

Fire Incident Reports
A copy of any fire incident report for a fire or other emergency that is no longer subject to investigation can be requested by the public from the Fire Marshal. In accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes, fire department incident reports shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal within ten (10) days of the event. As such, requests for reports should not be submitted to the Fire Marshal for review until the ten (10) day period has expired. There is a cost associated with obtaining an incident report. The cost is $.50 per copied page.

Fire Investigation Reports
Fire investigation reports generated by the Fire Marshal's Office is not subject to the statute 10-day period, as investigations could be lengthy and time consuming. Requests can be submitted, but reports will not be provided until such time that the investigation is complete. A formal request for investigation reports must be submitted to the Fire Marshal's Office. Fees associated with obtaining an investigation report are $.50 per copied page and $1.00 per photo printed.

Fire Inspection Reports
The Fire Marshal's Office does numerous fire code inspections throughout the year. Occupants, as well as property owners, receive official reports indicating the conditions that were found averse to the State Fire and Life Safety Code, the State Fire Prevention Code, and all applicable standards. Upon receipt of the Abatement of Hazardous Conditions notice, occupants or parties having control of the property have thirty (30) days to complete corrective actions. Upon expiration of the 30 days, the Fire Marshal will cause a re-inspection to ensure all violations have been abated (corrected).
Many times, a request for a report showing any outstanding violations for a property will be requested when a property changes management or is in the process of being sold. Requests for said report can be requested from the Fire Marshal's Office. The cost for paper copies is $.50 per page.

How to Request a Report
Requests for report shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal, and must be in writing. Such request can be faxed to the Fire Marshal's Office at (203) 758-7274 to the attention of Fire Marshal, or you can email your request to [email protected]. Please remember that your request will be processed as quickly as possible, but that it may take days to complete due to the large workload in the Fire Marshal's Office.

Fire Safety Education

Why are Smoke Detectors Important?

Smoke detectors were designed to notify the occupant(s) of a building that there was a fire in the building, especially when sleeping. Smoke alarms are designed to go off when smoke enters the detector and emit a loud beeping sound, and in some cases illuminate a small light to notify those occupants who may be hearing impaired. Having working smoke detectors more than double the likelihood of surviving a fire when you respond to the alarm. They are designed to go off when the fire is small, and only light smoke is present.

Now, I know people argue that "my alarm always goes off and it's a false alarm!". There are two ways to prevent false alarms:

Make sure your alarms are installed in the correct locations.
Maintaining your alarms are essential to proper function!

What to do if your Smoke Alarm Sounds

First, make sure everyone in your house is safe. Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency. If you know it's an accidental activation from smoke from cooking, or steam from the shower, wave something in front of the alarm to get it to stop from alarming. DO NOT REMOVE THE ALARM OR THE BATTERY! You may forget to return it working condition!

Installing Smoke Alarms

Before you break out the ladder and screw driver, read the instructions that came with your alarm! Some of the common rules for the installation of smoke alarms are:

Install smoke alarms on the ceiling whenever possible. Sometimes, installation on a wall is required due to the configuration or type of ceiling.
When installing smoke alarms, stay clear from air handling ducts, ceiling fans, and "dead spaces" too close to the walls. All three areas could prevent the smoke alarm from going off!
Install your smoke alarms in all the right places! They include, in every sleeping area, common hallways outside of sleeping rooms, dens, living rooms, basements, and at least one alarm on every level of the home. Sleeping areas include not just bedrooms, but any room with a futon, pull-out couch, or any other room that may be used for temporary sleeping quarters. It's worth it, trust me! Where NOT to install smoke alarms include in the kitchen, in the bathroom or just outside in the hallway, in the attic and in the garage. Those areas are most likely to produce a false alarm due to smoke from cooking, steam from a shower, exhaust from a lawnmower or other small equipment being started, or from spiders making your smoke alarm their home!
Once you've installed your smoke alarm, test it to make sure it works!

Why are Carbon Monoxide Detectors Important?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Whether you heat your home with oil, gas, propane, or even wood-burning appliances, you very well could have carbon monoxide in your home. While having small amounts is normal, the only way to tell if you have elevated levels of CO is through detection. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can't be seen or detected by human senses. Having elevated levels of CO in your home could lead to illness or worse!

Elevated levels of CO can be caused by heating equipment not running efficiently, improperly installed wood-burning appliances or being used averse to the manufacturer's instructions, or blocked or clogged exhaust piping. It is important to have your heating system serviced and cleaned at least annually.

What to do if your Carbon Monoxide Alarms Sound

This one is simple. Call 9-1-1 and get you and your family outside! Because CO is colorless and odorless, without the use of meters, you can't be too sure that it's a false alarm. The meters that the fire department uses are much more sensitive than the devices you have in your home. Within just a few minutes, we can tell you if it was a false alarm or if you have a true emergency!

Installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Again, while it may seem simple enough, you REALLY need to follow the installation instructions that came with your carbon monoxide alarm. Some of the common rules for the installation of CO alarms include:

The location for the installation of your CO alarm will vary, depending on the type you have. Some battery-operated alarms are wall-mounted while others are ceiling-mounted. Plug-in alarms will be plugged into any outlet that is not blocked by furniture or fixtures. You want the alarm to be able to "breath". If you have plug-in CO alarms, make sure they have a battery backup system for protection if/when the power goes out in your home.
There should be at least one (1) carbon monoxide alarm on every level of the home. When installing one in your basement, be sure to stay at least ten (10) feet from any heating system to help prevent false alarms. When starting your furnace for the first time each fall, you may experience a delayed ignition, which may cause a small puff of exhaust. Stay the same distance from wood-burning or pellet stoves.
Once you've installed your carbon monoxide alarm, test it to make sure it works!

Maintaining your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Once you have your safety devices installed, they must be maintained to ensure they work properly! Follow these simple rules:

Test your alarms once a month. All smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have a test button, but each alarm tests differently. Be sure to read the owner's manual as to what the detector sounds like when it going into alarm, versus when it's trying to tell you it needs something, and/or when you are testing it.
Change your batteries TWICE a year! Don't wait for the "chirp". If you hear an occasional beep or "chirp", it means the battery is low and needs to be replaced. But it also means that, for a while, there was a good chance that you'd either get a false alarm or it wouldn't alarm if there was smoke detected! The batteries after 6 months are good to be used in something else, like your television remote, kid's games, or other home devices. Remember, you want the freshest, newest batteries in your alarms to make sure they are working at top performance levels!

If you have a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide alarm with a 10-year battery, make sure that the date in which the alarm was installed is written on the back of the alarm so you know when to replace it!

Clean your detector with a feather duster or vacuum monthly. No matter how clean you keep your house, dust and spiders always find their way into the sensor.
Practice a home escape plan with your family! Let everyone know what it sounds like when the alarm is activated, and teach them how to react.

If you have smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms that need their batteries changed, but you can't get up to them to change them, give us a call! We'd be happy to help you out! If you have the batteries, we have the time to change them for you! Just call (203) 758-3370, and someone will be out as soon as possible to help you!

FIRE EXTINGUISHER CLASSIFICATION

With so many fire extinguishers to choose from, selecting the proper one for your home can be a daunting task. Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it's just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, the garage and workshop.

Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher.

Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (green triangle)

Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (red square)

Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Geometric symbol (blue circle)

Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only. Geometric symbol (Yellow Decagon)

Class K fire extinguishers are for fires that involve cooking oils, trans-fats, or fats in cooking appliances and are typically found in restaurant and cafeteria kitchens. Geometric symbol (black hexagon)

Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications. Your fire extinguishers should have ABC ratings on them.

Here are the most common types of fire extinguishers:

Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and pressurized with nitrogen.

BC - This is the regular type of dry chemical extinguisher. It is filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent any damage to materials.

ABC - This is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The ABC type is filled with oxoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a computer

Dry chemical extinguishers have an advantage over CO2 extinguishers since they leave a non-flammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the likelihood of re-ignition.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are used for class B and C fires. CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out the nozzle. They don't work very well on class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to put the fire out, causing it to re-ignite.

CO2 extinguishers have an advantage over dry chemical extinguishers since they don't leave a harmful residue - a good choice for an electrical fire on a computer or other favorite electronic device such as a stereo or TV.

Water extinguishers or APW extinguishers (air-pressurized water) are suitable for class A fires only. Never use a water extinguisher on grease fires, electrical fires or class D fires - the flames will spread and make the fire bigger! Water extinguishers are filled with water and are typically pressurized with air. Again - water extinguishers can be very dangerous in the wrong type of situation. Only fight the fire if you're certain it contains ordinary combustible materials only.

How Often Should You Perform Maintenance or Inspections on Fire Extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure that they can perform in a fire emergency. It is recommended to perform a visual inspection of your fire extinguishers weekly to check the pressure gauge. Remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket to do so. If the yellow pointer on the gauge is in the green zone, the extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready to use. If the gauge is pointing to the red zone it means that there is NOT enough pressure, and your fire extinguisher should be replaced. A professional maintenance inspection by a certified fire equipment dealer should be conducted on an annual basis to ensure that the extinguisher will function correctly in the event of an emergency.

When inspecting your fire extinguishers, be sure to look for signs of damage or misuse.

Be sure that you can read all of the text and safety information on the label
Examine the surface for any rust or corrosion
If the extinguisher is wet or dirty, clean or dry it to help prevent corrosion
All fire extinguishers have a safety seal or tamper indicator. Ensure that this is still intact and that the nozzle is clean and free from any obstructions
Most fire extinguishers need to be refilled or refurbished every 5-6 years, so always check the manufacture date to confirm that it hasn’t expired

Electrical Safety Tips
Lithium-Ion Safety Tips
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
Smoke Alarm Sounds of Fire Safety Tips
Fire Escape Planning Safety Tips
Cooking Safety Tips
Home Heating Safety Tips
Space Heater Safety Tips
Escape Plan ( 2 Ways Out)
Portable Generator Information

Fire Prevention Poster Contest

The purpose of the Fire Prevention Poster contest is to make school children and their families aware that preventing fires requires everyone being alert everyday to those acts, omissions, and dangers which cause fires, and to develop an interest in fire prevention/fire safety through a poster recognition program for the fourth and fifth grade students, and to promote a joint education effort between schools and the fire services. For requirements, dates, deadlines, and more please click the link below.

Poster Contest

Activities

Videos

FAQ'S

What are Fire Code Inspections?

Every Connecticut town and city is required to have a certified Fire Marshal who enforces the Connecticut Fire Safety Code, and all applicable standards and regulations as they apply to commercial buildings in their community. The Fire Safety Code applies to all occupancies, both new and existing, with the exception of one and two-family homes. One and two-family homes are governed by the Connecticut State Building Code, which is enforced locally by the town or city’s Building Official. The Fire Safety Code covers items, such as exiting of buildings, sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire separations, interior finishes, and many other items most people do not even recognize when entering a facility that is open to the public, or take for granted. These details of a building are so vital to the safety of the occupants of commercial buildings; the Connecticut General Statutes has its own chapter stating penalties for violations to the Connecticut Fire Safety Code, which can range from imposed fines to imprisonment.

What is the Fire Code Inspection Process?

Yearly inspections can range from hours and sometimes days in duration. Once the on-site inspection is complete, the Fire Marshal or Deputy Fire Marshal must complete a detailed report describing the conditions found and actions taken. When a violation is found during an inspection, the Fire Marshal or his designee must issue what is known as an “Abatement Notice”. This notice is to legally inform the owner, occupant, and/or management of a facility that a violation was found during an inspection. The notice further will inform the receiver that they have thirty (30) days (unless otherwise noted on the inspection report) from the day the notice is RECEIVED to correct all violations contained in the inspection report that accompanies every Abatement notice. The inspection report may take a while to process and to generate. The personnel conducting the inspection must return to the Fire Marshal’s Office and research the Connecticut Fire Safety Code, and all the applicable standards, to ensure the violation is properly cited.

How do I Arrange for an Inspection by the Fire Marshal’s Office?

Why are Fire Investigations Important?

Conducting fire investigations are very important to ensure the safety of the public. By doing a thorough and methodical investigation, the staff of the Fire Marshal’s Office can determine if a fire was accidental in nature, or incendiary (intentionally set). Should a fire be determined to be accidental, it is important to determine the cause to help identify possible trends producing recalls of defective equipment, as well as provide assistance to insurance companies who maintain coverage to victims of fire. Should a fire be determined to be incendiary in nature, all information gathered during the investigation will aid in criminal proceedings by providing facts pertaining to the criminal act of arson. If you should see any suspected criminal activities with regard to fire, you can contact the Connecticut Arson Tip Line at 1-800-84ARSON (1-800-842-7766).

What is Public Fire and Life Safety Education?

Public Fire and Life Safety Education is a proactive approach to firefighting. There is no better way to fight a fire than to prevent it from happening by providing early fire safety education. Public education is an opportunity to educate the public and our schools about common fire hazards that they may encounter; as well as new problems that have surfaced. Many of the programs offered by the Fire Marshal’s Office are delivered by our office staff, as well as members of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department. Each program is tailored to a specific audience and school. All programs are free to those who request it. Our staff encourages our neighbors to take part in our fire safety programs. To request a presentation, please call our Fire Marshal office at (203) 758-3370.

What is Recreational Burning?

RECREATIONAL BURNING

Recreational burning, through the burning of wood in a campfire, bonfire, chimenea or other similar device, must follow the guidelines of Daily Forest Fire Danger Report and Air Quality Index Report.

The following are Prospect Fire Marshal’s guidelines for recreational and outdoor cooking fires:

All fires must be kindled in an approved commercially or privately manufactured outdoor recreational fire appliance such as a fireplace, fire pit, and fire pit table or fire ring. A hand dug fire pit must be at least one (1) foot below grade and no more than four (4) foot outside diameter and the outside edge shall be ringed with brick or stone. Fires shall be no closer than 15 feet from any structure, shed, garage, tree, shrub, brush, fence or any other combustible material. Recreational fire appliances shall not be located on wooden or composite decks.
Only clean dry wood may be burned, the diameter of not greater than six (6) inches at its widest point or longer than three (3) feet in length. No leaves, grass, trash, pallets, treated or painted wood, construction/demolition debris, rubber, plastic, textiles or petroleum based materials and nothing that contains flammable or combustible liquids.
Fires shall be so managed that the flames do not exceed three (3) feet above a fire pit and burn material is contained within the confines of the appliance/fire pit.
Prevailing wind conditions shall be less than 10 miles per hour and shall not create a nuisance* for neighboring property owners.
No burning shall take place if the forest fire danger is HIGH, VERY HIGH, or EXTREME or an Air Quality Alert has been issued by the State of Connecticut D.E.E.P.
Fires are permitted between the hours of 8:00 am and midnight. All fire must be extinguished by midnight.
Fires must be attended at all times by at least one rational person deemed responsible (age eighteen or older).
Adequate fire suppression equipment such as shovels, properly rated fire extinguishers or a garden hose shall be accessible at all times while the fire is burning.
Should a fire be determined nuisance* it shall be extinguished immediately.
These guidelines do not apply to grilling or cooking using charcoal, propane or natural gas in cooking/grilling appliances or barbeques being used for food preparation.

*Nuisance: shall mean a situation as seen by the senior fire officer in which a fire creates an environment on or in a property, other than the property where the fire is occurring, which is considered to be unhealthy, hazardous, reasonably annoying, uncomfortable unsafe, creating a traffic hazard, creating a persistent odor or would cost resources to eliminate the odor from the property. This shall apply to, but not be limited to smoke, soot, fumes, odors, vapors, noxious gases, products of combustion, heat and incomplete products of combustion.

What Can You Tell Me About Underground Storage Tank Removal Inspections?

Although underground storage tank removal inspections are not mandated by the Connecticut General Statutes, the staff of the Fire Marshal’s Office in Prospect may inspects the removal of all underground storage tanks, in both commercial and residential settings with Chesprocott. The homeowner or business owner, or the company in which they employ to remove the tank from their property, must submit an application for removal of an underground storage tank to the health department (Chesprocott). The inspection includes witnessing the actual removal of the underground tank, inspection of the tank excavation for contaminated soil, and the procurement of a soil sample by the removal contractor for analytical testing. The entire process is documented by digital photographs taken during the removal by our health department. The photographs include pictures of the tank, the tank excavation, and general photograph indicating the location of the tank on the property.

Is There A Permit Required to Remove an Underground Oil Tank?

Currently, there is an application for removal of underground storage tanks with the town health department, Chesprocott. However, there is no permit or fee. The application may generate an inspection by the Fire Marshal’s Office. When an application for removal is received, the Fire Marshal will assign an inspection of the tank removal to the Deputy Fire Marshal or Fire Inspector. The inspection involves the witnessing of the removal of the tank from the ground, witnessing the procurement of a soil sample for analytical testing, and the taking of photographs for recording purposes. All the records regarding underground storage tank removals are then forwarded to the health department, Chesprocott.

When Must I Submit a Fuel Permit with The Fire Marshal’s Office?

Any time you are installing equipment pertaining to a hazardous materials operation, you must obtain a permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office, as well as from the Building Department. By submitting a permit, it ensures that the operation, use, or storage of hazardous materials is done correctly by inspections conducted by this Office prior to use of any such materials. To obtain a fuel permit, you can stop by the Fire Marshal’s Office or give us a call at (203) 758-3370.

What Can You Tell Me about Hazardous Materials?

There are many different types of facilities that use hazardous materials. Whether they are used in a process, or are manufactured locally, hazardous materials are everywhere! The Fire Marshal’s Office inspects all facilities that use hazardous materials. The purpose for the inspection is to check the manner in which the materials are being stored, the process in which they are being used, and to provide pre-incident planning information to the Prospect Fire Department’s first responders in the event of an emergency.

What Can You Tell Me about The Transportation of Hazardous Materials?

As you travel throughout our State, you see various types and sized vehicles transporting materials that we use in our day-to-day operations. Those materials can range from bulk transportation of flour or baking goods, to the large tankers that haul gasoline or diesel fuel to your local gas station. Each vehicle that transports hazardous materials is required to be inspected at least once a year by the Fire Marshal in the town or city in which the vehicle is registered. These inspections are conducted to ensure the product in which the vehicle is transporting is stored in a safe manner, and to reduce the opportunity for an accidental release of hazardous materials.

Are Fireworks Legal in The State of Connecticut?

Public Act 00-198 made it legal for any person who is at least sixteen (16) years of age or older to purchase, possess, or use sparkling devices with not more than one hundred (100) grams of pyrotechnic mixture that is non-aerial and non-explosive. In short, IF IT FLIES OR PROVIDES A BANG, IT IS NOT LEGAL. Such items that are not legal under this Public Act include but is not limited to fire crackers, M-80’s, M-100’s, Roman Candles, Sky Rockets, Bottle rockets, lady fingers, bomb bags, snap pops, and other aerial and explosive displays.