The West Hartford Fire Department has conducted a door-to-door campaign in the neighborhood near South Highland Street, where a fire occurred last week.

West Hartford Fire Department conducts Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach (PINO), following a fire on South Highland Street. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

In the wake of a fire Oct. 20 on the third floor of a multi-family residence, the West Hartford Fire Department conducted neighborhood outreach Monday, going door-to-door and speaking to roughly two dozen area residents about fire safety and giving out smoke detectors.

“The neighborhood canvas covered approximately 21 houses/apartments,” Battalion Chief Jarrad Smith said. “The department handed out five new smoke alarms, as well as home fire safety information.”

The goal of the “Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach” (PINO), Smith said, “is to prevent new fires from occurring as well as offer reassurance and support to area residents after a section of town suffers a significant incident or loss.”

The outreach effort was conducted in accordance with one of the department’s standard operating guidelines, which requires PINO when fires of a certain scale occur. While PINO has been limited over the past 18 months due to COVID-19, Assistant Chief Hugh O’Callaghan said he anticipates efforts will be able to get back on track going forward.

Monday’s efforts were focused on the streets in the immediate vicinity of where the fire occurred on South Highland Street, and also included Boulevard and Lockwood Terrace.

“Special thanks to Fire Inspector Marsha Adell, Lt. Robert Howe, Apparatus Operator Amanda Gamble, and the Group 2 crews of Engine 1 and Engine 2 for their support today,” Smith said.

West Hartford Fire Department conducts Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach (PINO), following a fire on South Highland Street. Courtesy photo

West Hartford Fire Department conducts Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach (PINO), following a fire on South Highland Street. Courtesy photo

West Hartford Fire Department conducts Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach (PINO), following a fire on South Highland Street. Courtesy photo

West Hartford Fire Department conducts Post-Incident Neighborhood Outreach (PINO), following a fire on South Highland Street. Courtesy photo

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