DEEP Warns of Extreme Fire Danger in Connecticut

Press Releases

10/26/2024

DEEP Warns of Extreme Fire Danger in Connecticut

(Hartford, CT) - Today, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) instituted a ban on the use of outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas due to statewide severe fire weather conditions and the ongoing Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain that is affecting Berlin, Meriden, and surrounding areas. This ban follows Governor Ned Lamont's declaration of a state of emergency across Connecticutyesterday.The Governor's declaration mobilizes all state resources to address active and potential wildfires and enforce precautionary measures to protect residents, property, and natural resources.

In support of this emergency response, DEEP issued the Burn Ban that covers all State Parks, Forests, and other state-owned public lands.This measure is part of an effort to prevent new fires in light of the forecast for prolonged dangerous fire weather conditions, and as a proactive measure to avoid overtaxing available fire-fighting resources we have to fight existing fires, which are occurring in several areas across the state. Effective immediately, this ban prohibits kindling or using outdoor fires in these areas to prevent additional fire outbreaks. All open burning permits statewide are also suspended pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 23-49a until further notice.

Connecticut remains at VERY HIGH to EXTREME fire risk, with no forecasted rainfall over the next week to alleviate conditions. Since October 21, DEEP and emergency responders have been actively battling the Hawthorne Fire, which has spread over 100 acres. Multiple smaller fires have ignited across the state due to dry conditions, with several requiring substantial resources and posing continued risks to nearby communities. Air support is responding to assist response in several of these locations around the state, so members of the public are advised that if they see air support responding to a fire, there should be absolutely no drones in the air. This interferes with response.

A No-fly zone remains in effect over Lamentation Mountain, and Lamentation Mountain State Park and the Silver Lake Boat Launch remain closed. Recreational drones, unauthorized hiking, ATV use, and low-altitude flights near active fire zones have also hampered firefighting operations. These activities delay response times, create hazardous conditions for firefighters, and increase risks to both first responders and the public. The public is advised to avoid all non-essential activities in areas near active fires to ensure safety and aid emergency efforts.

The vast majority of Connecticut's wildfires result from human activities. In these conditions, even a small spark from the following can ignite a wildfire:

• Discarded smoking materials
• ATV and UTV activity especially without spark arresters
• Dragging trailer chains
• Use of outdoor grills
• Campfires
• Power tools and equipment that generate heat or sparks
  
  

DEEP calls on every resident and visitor to recognize the power of their actions in these conditions. Preventing wildfires isn't only about personal safety-it's about protecting our neighbors, our communities, and the first responders risking their lives to keep us safe. Each decision to follow fire safety measures, to refrain from outdoor burning, and to avoid risky activities near fire-prone areas directly reduces the likelihood of a new outbreak.

"These conditions represent a real and immediate threat to communities across Connecticut. We need every resident and visitor to understand that their actions directly impact the safety of their neighbors, firefighters, and natural areas," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "In support of Governor Lamont's emergency declaration, we are banning outdoor burning within our state parks and forests to help prevent new fires from starting. Taking this step today could save lives."

Together, we can prevent devastating losses to our homes, businesses, forests, and wildlife and help ensure that our responders can work safely and effectively. Every precaution matters in keeping Connecticut safe. To reduce fire risks, DEEP urges the following safety measures:

• Fires on public lands are prohibited:Do not use campfires, grills, or any other open flame. Again, the ban announced today prohibits the use of outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. This prohibition includes smoking and use of lighters outdoors.
• Properly extinguish smoking materials:Ensure all cigarettes and similar items are fully put out before disposal.
• Avoid equipment that can spark fires:Refrain from using ATVs, chainsaws, or other equipment in dry areas.

If you observe a wildfire, call 911 immediately and provide the location to emergency dispatch. Timely reporting is crucial to containing fires before they spread further.

For more information on fire danger and wildfire prevention, visit the Wildfire Prevention page on the DEEP website or contact the DEEP fire danger hotline at (860) 424-3929.

For more information about today's fire danger level, which is VERY HIGH, gohere: Forest Fire Danger Report

Twitter: @CTDEEPNewsFacebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications
[email protected]
860-424-3110

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