The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection released a warning for extreme fire danger and banned outdoor flames on state land due to the severe fire conditions on Saturday, Oct. 26.
“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,” DEEP said in a press release.
According to DEEP, Connecticut is currently at a very high to extreme risk for fires with no predicted rainfall this week.
“Multiple smaller fires have ignited across the state due to dry conditions, with several requiring substantial resources and posing continued risks to nearby communities,” the press release said.
These smaller fires are in addition to the Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden that emergency responders have been fighting since Oct. 21, which DEEP said has spread over 100 acres.
The Hawthorne Fire led Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to declare a state of emergency on Friday, Oct. 25.
“Due to severely dry conditions and lack of rain in the previous two months, the Hawthorne Fire has spread from Berlin to Meriden and potentially threatens other communities. The fire required and continues to require significant resources to keep the public and property safe,” Lamont said in the declaration.
Due to interference of recreational aircraft with emergency response, DEEP has also advised the public that drones should not be in use anywhere air support is responding to wildfires.
“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.” DEEP’s press release said. “The public is advised to avoid all non-essential activities in areas near active fires to ensure safety and aid emergency efforts.”
DEEP stated that most wildfires originate from human activities, naming grilling, discarded smoking materials and sparks from power equipment or vehicles as a few common ways fires can ignite.
“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,” DEEP’s press release said. “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.”
Katie Dykes, the commissioner of DEEP, said in the press release that banning outdoor burning in state parks and forests was an important step that could save lives.
“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,” Dykes said.
DEEP asked anyone who observes a wildfire to immediately call 911 and provide the fire’s location. More information about fire prevention can be found on DEEP’s wildfire prevention page.