(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of Fire Safe CT, a collaborative Connecticut state initiative aimed at reducing the risk of fire-related tragedies through public education and local support. This effort unites state and local agencies, health care experts, and fire service professionals under a common goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire.
“Keeping Connecticut families safe is our highest priority,” Governor Lamont said. “Fire Safe CT brings together the best of what our state has to offer – public safety, health care, and environmental expertise – to help residents stay safe and informed. It’s a model of collaboration, and I’m proud to support it.”
The initiative is led by a coalition of partners, including the Connecticut Office of the State Fire Marshal, which is within the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS); the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the Connecticut Fire Academy, which are both within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP); and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital. It is also being supported by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), particularly in addressing outdoor fire risks.
Fire Safe CT focuses on two key objectives:
- Public Education – Delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips to Connecticut residents through engaging multimedia campaigns, with particular emphasis on home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention.
- Community Empowerment – Equipping local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced resources, educational materials, and support to bolster their community risk reduction efforts.
“DAS and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are proud to be part of this effort to deliver consistent, effective fire prevention messaging and tools across Connecticut,” DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “Fire Safe CT will help local leaders and first responders better engage their communities and save lives.”
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins underscored the initiative’s comprehensive approach. “From investigation to education to training, this initiative links every part of the fire safety ecosystem. Our agencies are united in the mission to prevent fires before they start and support recovery when they do,” Commissioner Higgins said.
Connecticut State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert highlighted the proactive nature of the program. “This is more than a campaign – it’s a commitment to prevention,” Volkert said. “Fire Safe CT empowers every resident and firefighter to take steps today that could save lives tomorrow.”
“The Connecticut Fire Academy is proud to continue its mission to be an integral part of fire prevention efforts throughout our state,” Alan Zygmunt, program manager at the Connecticut Fire Academy, said. “Fire Safe CT will expand that reach by providing resources and materials to departments to enhance their community programs.”
“The Connecticut Burn Center, as the only dedicated burn center in the state, is committed not only to healing burn injuries but to preventing them,” Dr. Alisa Savetamal, medical director of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, said. “Through Fire Safe CT, we are partnering with emergency services, safety professionals, educators, families, and individuals to ensure that everyone has access to the most up-to-date prevention information.”
“We are proud to be part of the statewide collaborative emphasizing public safety, particularly with regard to outdoor burning, whether it be for debris management or simply enjoying a campfire with family and friends,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Nearly all of Connecticut wildfires are human caused and therefore are mostly preventable. As we approach the first anniversary of one of our state’s most destructive fall wildfire seasons in decades, DEEP encourages all residents and visitors to learn best practices for outdoor burning. These practices include being aware of the daily forest fire danger before igniting permitted debris fires authorized by municipal open burn officials, and ensuring that campfires are cool to the touch before leaving them unattended. Please visit DEEP’s website (Forest Fire Prevention Tips) for more information about best practices to protect yourself, your home and property, and our first responders.”
The initiative’s website, ct.gov/firesafe, offers downloadable resources for individuals and communities, including social media toolkits, template letters for local campaigns, community outreach materials, and fire risk checklists for homes and businesses.
Connecticut residents are encouraged to follow Fire Safe CT on social media:
- Instagram: @fire_safe_ct
- Facebook: Fire Safe CT
- YouTube: @FireSafeCT