DEP Reports “High” Forest Fire Danger Level

DEP Also Reminds Residents of Open Burning
Restrictions During Elevated Fire Conditions

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today reminded Connecticut residents the fire danger in the state is “high” due to the dry weather conditions Connecticut has experienced recently. Until Connecticut receives significant rainfall, forest fire danger levels will remain high to very high.

“As spring arrives more and more families want to get out and enjoy the outdoors – we strongly encourage they do”, said DEP Commissioner McCarthy. “However with the recent dry spell we have had combined with low humidity and dry grass, the conditions are prime for brush fires to erupt which, we are already seeing.” “The DEP urges all who will enjoy the use of Connecticut’s parks, forests and open spaces, to use fires with caution and practice forest fire prevention tips – especially at this time when forest fire conditions are elevated.

“We want people to enjoy the outdoors but urge everyone to obey local laws regarding open fires, carefully dispose of hot coals, and completely extinguish smoking materials”, added Commissioner McCarthy.

DEP’s Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut’s 1.8 million acres of forested land. Forest fire danger levels are classified as low, moderate, high, very high or extreme. In an average year forest fires scorch approximately 1,300 acres of Connecticut woodland.

The DEP reminds all state residents that if they have received a permit from their local Open Burning Official to burn brush on their property, the permit is not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high or extreme and they are burning within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.

Anyone spotting a forest fire should go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire department.

Forest Fire Prevention Tips

The DEP encourages residents of Connecticut to protect their families and homes from forest fire by:

• Making a fire safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings;
• Pruning away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly;
• Removing any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney;
• Regularly removing leaves and needles from gutters;
• Not storing firewood in the fire safe zone;
• Using fire resistant roofing materials;
• Making 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;
• Following state and local open burning laws;
• Staying with outside fires until they are completely safe and dead out; and
• Disposing of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.

For those who enjoy the use of Connecticut’s parks, forests, and open spaces, use fires with caution and follow these recommendations:

• Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires;
• Keep all flammable objects away from fire;
• Have firefighting tools nearby and handy;
• Carefully dispose of hot charcoal;
• Drown all fires;
• Extinguish smoking materials with caution.