Fire Marshal

The Suffield Fire Marshal’s Office is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens, businesses, and visitors of the Town of Suffield through the enforcement of applicable fire safety laws, codes, and regulations. The office ensures compliance with the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code and related statutes by conducting inspections, reviewing building and site plans, investigating fires, and providing public education on fire prevention and safety. Our mission is to promote a safe and resilient community through professional service, proactive enforcement, and effective collaboration with town departments and the public.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for conducting fire safety inspections of residential, commercial, and municipal properties; reviewing plans for new construction and renovations; and investigating all fires and explosions within the Town of Suffield to determine their origin and cause. The office also issues permits as required under state and local regulations, including those for hazardous materials, and fireworks displays. In
addition, the Fire Marshal’s Office provides fire prevention education with the Suffield Fire Department and outreach to enhance community awareness and reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.

In accordance with adopted model codes, state statutes, and recognized industry best practices, the Office will develop and implement a proactive Community Risk Reduction (CRR) strategy to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within our community and its diverse commercial occupancies.

Documents and Forms

Fire Equipment Inspection & Testing

Knox Box

To obtain a Knox Box for a business in Connecticut, order it directly through the Knox website by searching for your specific local fire department or jurisdiction. Once ordered, install the box in an approved, accessible location and contact your local Fire Marshal to secure your keys inside.
Ordering Process
- Visit the Website: Determine what type of access controlled product you are looking for; once determined, go to Knox Products and click "BUY NOW."
- Select Product: Choose the appropriate model for your building's needs.
- Approval: Check out and ensure the site address is completed to finish the process.
Installation and Key Security
- Location: Install the box on an exterior wall, usually no higher than 6 feet, near the main entrance or a fire department access point.
- Securing Keys: Once installed, contact your local fire department or Fire Marshal to schedule a time to lock your keys inside.

Public Service Announcements

Inspection Frequency

Plan Review Requirements

The Fire Marshal plan review and fees are automatically generated by applying for a permit through the Building Department. If you haven’t already applied for a building permit, please visit the Building Department web page for information on how to apply for a permit.

Building Data Form - PDF

Plan Review Checklist - PDF

Plan Review Requirements - PDF

Shop Drawing Requirements - PDF

Underground Storage Tank Removal

Oil/Fuel Tank Removals

An underground storage tank can either be removed or legally abandoned (when necessary). The tank removal must be done by a licensed contractor. A permit must be pulled and the fee must be paid. An inspection from the Fire Marshal Office or Building Department Office must be on site to witness the removal/abandonment and taking of the soil sample by the contractor.

Permit applications are located on the Building Department's website.

A copy of the soil analysis report shall be sent to the Fire Marshal's Office, evincent@suffieldct.gov

Safety Information

Checklist for Temporary Egress- PDF

Hoarding

Hoarding significantly increases fire risk due to excessive, combustible clutter blocking exits and providing fuel for fires. Key safety tips include clearing paths to doors and windows, maintaining a 3-foot clearance between clutter and heating/cooling equipment, and installing working smoke alarms.
Top Fire Safety Tips for Hoarding Situations
- Clear Escape Routes: Keep hallways, stairways, and exits completely free of clutter to allow for quick evacuation.
- Create a 3-Foot "Safe Zone": Ensure all combustibles (newspapers, clothes, trash) are at least 3 feet away from heat sources like stoves, heaters, and candles.
- Install and Test Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and test them monthly.
- Check Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets, extension cords, and power strips, which can fail under the weight of clutter or from overheating.
- Create an Escape Plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan, ensuring at least two ways out of every room.
- Contact Local Fire Marshal/Building/Police Department: Reach out for a home safety visit to identify high-risk areas.
When Helping Someone Who Hoards
- Focus on Safety, Not Clutter: Approach with empathy, prioritizing safety (e.g., "Let's make a clear path to the door") rather than forced cleaning.
- Reduce Hazards Gradually: Focus on clearing critical areas first, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and main exit paths.
- Address High-Risk Items: Remove trash, recycling, and heavily stacked papers, which are highly flammable.
Why Hoarding is a High Fire Risk
- Blocked Exit Routes: Prevent escape and hinder firefighter rescue attempts.
- High Fuel Load: Large amounts of paper, clothing, and materials cause fires to spread faster.
- Dangerous Cooking/Heating: Clutter near stoves or space heaters frequently causes ignition.

Clothes Dryer

Prevent home dryer fires by cleaning the lint filter before or after every load and cleaning the vent pipe annually. Never leave a dryer running when leaving home or sleeping, and avoid overloading the machine. Ensure the area around the dryer is clear of combustibles, and use rigid metal venting material.
Essential Dryer Safety Tips
- Clean the Filter: Clean the lint filter before or after each load.
- Maintain Vents: Clean behind the dryer and the entire vent pipe at least once a year to prevent dangerous lint buildup.
- Use Proper Venting: Use only rigid or flexible metal venting material, never plastic.
- Check Outdoor Vent: Ensure the exterior vent flap opens when the dryer is on.
- Clear the Area: Keep the area around the dryer free of clothing, boxes, and flammable materials.
- Never Overload: Overloading causes excessive heat and lint.
- Manage Items: Do not dry items containing foam, rubber, plastic, or materials contaminated with flammable substances (like oil or gasoline).
- Service Regularly: Have gas dryers inspected annually by a professional for leaks.
- Never Run Unattended: Turn off the dryer if you leave your home or go to bed.
If a Dryer Fire Occurs
- Keep Door Closed: Do not open the dryer door, as this feeds oxygen to the fire.
- Turn it Off: Turn off the dryer if possible.
- Evacuate and Call 911: If the fire persists, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.

Cooking

To prevent cooking fires, the leading cause of home fires, never leave cooking food unattended—especially when frying, grilling, or boiling. Keep cooking areas clean, maintain a 3-foot "kid-free zone," and keep flammable items like towels and wrappers away from heat sources.
Top Cooking Safety Tips
- Stay in the Kitchen: Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended; if you must leave, turn off the burner.
- Create a Safety Zone: Keep a 3-foot (1 meter) zone around your stove free of children and pets.
- Clear the Area: Move flammable items—pot holders, towels, oven mitts, food packaging—away from the stovetop.
- Watch Your Clothing: Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe up grease buildup on the stove, oven, and vent hood.
- Use Timers: Set a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
- Proper Appliance Use: Never use the oven for storage or heating; never put metal in the microwave.
- Safe Oil Handling: If cooking with oil, heat it slowly and keep a lid nearby.
In Case of a Fire
- Grease Fire: Smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Never use water.
- Oven/Microwave Fire: Turn off the appliance and keep the door closed to smother the flames.
- When to Exit: If the fire does not go out immediately or spreads, get out, close the door behind you, and call 911.
Preparation Tips
- Install Smoke Alarms: Have working smoke alarms on every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas; test them monthly.
- Keep Extinguishers Handy: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Be Alert: Do not cook if you are sleepy, consumed alcohol, or taken medication that makes you drowsy.

Space Heater

Safe space heater use requires keeping them 3 feet from flammable materials (curtains, furniture), plugging directly into wall outlets (never extension cords), and using models with auto shut-off/tip-over protection.
Key Space Heater Safety Guidelines
- Maintain 3-Foot Clearance: Keep all items that can burn, including bedding, clothing, and paper, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
- Direct Outlet Connection: Plug directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
- Automatic Safety Features: Use only models with a shut-off feature that activates if the unit tips over or overheats.
- Supervision: Never leave a space heater running unattended, while sleeping, or in a room with unattended children or pets.
- Placement: Place on a solid, flat, non-flammable surface.
- Inspection: Check for cracked or damaged cords; if damaged, do not use.
Common Hazards to Avoid
- Never use a space heater in a bathroom or near water.
- Do not use to dry clothing, cook food, or thaw pipes.
- Avoid placing cords under rugs, which can trap heat and create a fire hazard.
- Ensure the heater is certified by a recognized testing laboratory (e.g., UL, CSA, ETL).
Maintenance and Prevention
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- If the unit sparks, smells, or shuts off unexpectedly, discontinue use.

Food Truck Inspection

Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide

Fire Prevention

The Fire Department and Fire Marshals Office is committed to reducing the risk of fire and improving life safety throughout the community through proactive fire prevention and public education programs.

Click Here for Fire Escape Plan

Fire prevention activities are conducted year-round and include outreach to residents, businesses, and community organizations. Members of the Fire Department regularly participate in school programs, community events, neighborhood gatherings, and public safety initiatives to educate the public on fire safety practices and emergency preparedness.

Fire prevention programs include participation in events such as school fire safety programs, National Night Out, community fairs, neighborhood events, and public safety demonstrations. These programs provide important information on topics such as home fire escape planning, smoke alarm installation and maintenance, cooking safety, electrical safety, and seasonal fire hazards.

During Fire Prevention Week each October, the department conducts additional educational outreach in local schools and community venues to reinforce the importance of fire safety awareness and prevention.

The Fire Department also promotes the use of working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and residential fire escape planning, which are proven to significantly reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a fire.

Residents and organizations interested in scheduling a fire safety presentation or requesting participation at a community event are encouraged to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or the Fire Department.

Clear Snow from Hydrants

Town Ordinance for Hydrant Clearing

During the winter months, snow and ice can quickly cover or block access to fire hydrants. In an emergency, firefighters must be able to locate and access hydrants immediately to supply water for firefighting operations. Even a small delay caused by a buried hydrant can impact response time during a fire.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to help keep their neighborhoods safe by clearing snow and ice from fire hydrants located near their property. Please shovel a path at least 3 feet around the hydrant and ensure there is a clear path from the street to the hydrant so firefighters can easily connect hoses.

Adopting a hydrant near your home or business and keeping it clear throughout the winter can make a significant difference during an emergency. Your assistance helps ensure firefighters have quick access to the water supply needed to protect lives and property.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe.