Fire Marshal

James Russell

155 Deer Hill Ave

Danbury, CT 06811

Phone: 203-796-1541

Fax: 203-796-1561

Community Risk Reduction

Office of the Fire Marshal

About Us:

The Office of Community Risk Reduction is made up of six Deputy Fire Marshals and one Fire Marshal.  The main focus of this office is to reduce the number of fires and fire-related injuries within the city.  This is accomplished by public education and enforcement of the Connecticut Fire Safety Code and Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes.  Our office also reviews the plans of every new building/project that is constructed in the city.  By reviewing the plans, we can make sure that the fire codes are being applied in the proper manner, making sure the buildings are being built to code.  Our public education includes community outreach programs, such as Fire Safety Presentations to housing complexes, schools, businesses, and corporations.  We also offer Fire Extinguisher Training to businesses and housing groups.  These initiatives, combined with our inspections, prevention, and suppression duties, contribute to making Danbury one of the safest cities in the State of Connecticut.

Accomplishments:

In the month of October, which is Fire Safety Month, our office delivers Fire Safety presentations to every elementary school student in our city.  The Fire Safety Programs are presented to a very diverse population.  The students bring the information about smoke detectors, escape plans, and other safety tips into their homes.  This Fire Safety Education is vital in creating a fire safe community in Danbury.

We also administer a “Fire Prevention Poster Contest” to 4th and 5th grade students.  This is a statewide contest that helps students learn about fire safety by designing and painting a poster that tells about fire safety.  Each year this contest draws about 25,000 applicants within Connecticut.  This year, the City of Danbury had its first State Winner since the inception of the contest 31 years ago.