Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

04/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2025 14:22

DEEP Asks Residents to Continue to Exercise Caution During Spring Brush Fire Season

Press Releases

04/23/2025

DEEP Asks Residents to Continue to Exercise Caution During Spring Brush Fire Season

Important For Residents to Be Aware and Take Proper Precautions

(HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is again advising Connecticut residents to take precautions to help minimize the likelihood of a fire. Spring fire season is underway; DEEP received reports of 40 wildfires from April 14 to April 21 alone, totaling approximately 300 acres. Most fires can be prevented because they are caused by human actions.

Since the start of the year, 155 fires totaling approximately 385 acres have been reported to DEEP, compared to 77 fires from January to April in 2024-i.e., about double the number of fires. Brush fires are a serious hazard and can threaten lives and infrastructure. Tragically, a firefighter died while responding to a brush fire in fall 2024, and eight other firefighters were injured in 2024 while responding to brush fires. One residential building and seven other structures were lost to wildfire in 2024, and overall, 170 structures and residences were placed at risk for damage from wildfires.

In spring, deciduous (non-evergreen) trees are bare and the sun gets hotter, heating up and drying out forest "fuels" such as grass, leaves, twigs, branches, and decaying material in the soil. Grasses, twigs, and small branches in particular are called "1-hour fuels" because they can rapidly dry out and become ready to burn. Spring fires typically burn these 1-hour fuels and spread very quickly, especially in windy conditions.

The majority of wildfires in Connecticut are caused by human actions such as improper burning of debris or poor management of campfires, arson, careless discarding of wood ashes, and placing motorized equipment on top of or adjacent to fire fuels.

"The recent uptick in wildfire occurrence is a strong reminder for residents to be extra vigilant with outdoor fires until trees fully leaf out and provide important shade and local humidity that reduces surface fuel dryness," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said."It's important to remember that local open burning permits are automatically suspended on days when the fire danger level is high, very high, or extreme. Please be sure all campfires are completely extinguished and wet and cool to the touch before leaving the area and take proper care when extinguishing and disposing of smoking materials."

DEEP's Forest Fire Control Office urges all who enjoy Connecticut's parks, forests, and open spaces to use fires with caution and heed the following recommendations, especially during forest fire season:

  • Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires.
  • Keep all flammable objects away from fire. Scrape away leaves, twigs, and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from fire.
  • Have firefighting tools nearby and handy.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Carefully dispose of hot coal/ashes.
  • Drown all fires.
  • Carefully extinguish smoking materials.

For Connecticut homeowners and residents, the following best practices are suggested to protect your family members and home:

  • Make a fire-safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings.
  • Prune away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire-safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly.
  • Remove any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney.
  • Regularly remove leaves and needles from gutters.
  • Do not store firewood in the fire-safe zone.
  • Use fire-resistant roofing materials.
  • Make sure firefighters can find and access your home. Mark your house and roads clearly and prune away limbs and trees along your driveway which do not allow fire truck access.
  • Have an escape plan-- and practice it.
  • Follow state and local open burning laws.
  • Stay with outside fires until they are completely safe and extinguished.
  • Dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soak them with water before dumping them.

Local open burning permits are automatically suspended on days when the fire danger level is high.

If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone, and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw the fire. If you see anything suspicious at or near the scene of the fire, take note and relay that to the dispatcher as well. Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

Helpful Resources

For more information on forest fire prevention, visit the Smokey Bear website.

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110