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 any 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.
Is open burning allowed in the Town of Litchfield?
Supervised open burning is allowed when issued a permit by the Burning Official and may be obtained through the First Selectman’s Office to do so. Failure to obtain a burn permit or burning illegal items may subject the property owner to fines or arrest. Burn permits are void if weather conditions are such that it creates hazards to the permittee, their property, or the property around them, whether it is public or private. Any time wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour (gusts or sustained), or the fire danger rating is equal to or greater than "HIGH" as indicated on our homepage, there shall be no open burning in the Town of Litchfield.
Who is responsible for removing snow from around fire hydrants?
The owners or occupants of any building or lot of land where there is a fire hydrant is responsible.
Does the Fire Marshal’s Office handle complaints for one and two family residences?
Only complaints related to smoke detection compliance. Otherwise, one and two family residences are specifically exempt from the Connecticut Fire safety Code.
How often should I change the batteries in my smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors?
Batteries in smoke and CO detectors should be changed at least once a year.
Which buildings must be inspected by the Fire Marshal’s Office?
All buildings within the Town of Litchfield, with the exception of single and two-family homes, are required to be inspected by the Fire Marshal or his designee at least annually, as described in the Connecticut General Statutes. Single and two-family homes are within the jurisdiction of the local Building Official. The Fire Marshal's Office will conduct inspections of sprinkler and fire alarm systems in all buildings.
Why are inspections done?
Besides being required by the Connecticut General Statutes, for many businesses that are licensed by a local or state agency, they are required to provide documentation as to the safe conditions that will allow them to operate without posing a hazard to the public. Without such documentation, their license to operate their business may not be renewed or could be suspended. Should violations of the Connecticut Fire and Life Safety Code be found, said business must correct the violations in a given amount of time. Normally, thirty days are provided to the business or building owner to make corrections and comply with the fire code. The time provided is at the discretion of the Fire Marshal or his designee, depending on the nature of the violation. Violations, such as blocked egress, fire
protection system violations or overcrowding may demand closure of a business until such time that these immediate problems are corrected.
Is there a permit required to remove an underground tank?
Currently, there is an application for removal of underground storage tanks. However, there is no permit or fee. The application generates an inspection by the Fire Marshal's Office. This 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 kept in file at the Fire marshal’s Office. If you are selling or purchasing a property in the Town of Litchfield, you may request a copy of the records from the Fire Marshal’s Office by calling the Fire Marshal at (860) 567-7568.
Does the Fire Marshal inspect my wood/coal/pellet Stove?
The Fire Marshal will inspect wood/ coal/pellet burning stoves for existing stoves and upon the request of the homeowner or their insurance company. A new wood/coal/pellet burning stove installation requires a building permit issued by the Litchfield Building Official. The Building Official will do the inspection and issue a certificate of use upon approval of the installation.
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