Free Ash Cans Available to 60 Households

After the on Christmas morning, Fire Chief Janet Morgan and the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department want to send a message about fire safety and how to properly dispose of ash from fireplaces and wood stoves.

Morgan approached three local businesses -- and -- and the businesses all agreed to help.

In conjunction with a grant from the Firefighters Charitable Foundation, the department procured 60 cans designed to hold ashes and embers from fireplaces and wood stoves. All three businesses sold the cans to the department at cost.

The first 60 Woodbury residents who come to the Emergency Services Building from 10 a.m. on beginning Saturday, Feb. 4, will receive a free can, one per household, and a pamphlet describing the safe use of the can and proper disposal of embers and ashes.

The cans are available on a first come, first served basis. Once the 60 cans are gone, the three participating stores will offer the cans at cost to consumers, at $10 per can.

"All you have to do is say, 'I want to be part of the Can Your Ashes campaign' to get your ash can at cost," Morgan said via e-mail.

The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness about the proper use of ash cans and how doing so can save property and lives.

Those with questions on the program may call the firehouse at 203-263-3100.

Fire Safety Tips

• Don't throw out ashes when they are still warm.

Ash may be gray but can be a potential source of fire for 24 hours, according to the pamphlet.

• If the embers have to be removed before they cool down, the pamphlet stated the embers should be put in a metal pail with a tight fitting lid. The pail should then be outside, far away from the house, for at least a day.

• Install smoke alarms throughout the home and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home.

• Have the chimney cleaned professionally once a year, no matter how little the fireplace is used.