Officials Warn of Ash Dangers After Conn. Fire

Authorities are warning homeowners about the dangers of fireplace ashes after a fatal fire last Christmas that killed five people in Connecticut.

Officials say the fire in Stamford was caused by a bag of fireplace ashes left near the back of the home. Seven-year-old twin girls, their 10-year-old sister and their grandparents died in the fire. Officials are urging homeowners to put fireplace ashes in a metal container and place it well away from the house. If homeowners decide to leave hot ashes in the fireplace, they should make sure there’s a metal screen or glass partition in place. Authorities say embers in the ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to 24 hours after the fire appears to be out.