Fire danger is high, DEEP warns
Forest fire danger levels are “High” because of the dry conditions over the past several weeks, and residents should take special care over the holiday weekend with the use of sparklers, fireworks and other potentially flammable materials, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Thursday.
“While some parts of our state had some rain in recent days, and there is a chance for some showers (Friday), the forest fire danger will remain at High or above until we get a good statewide soaking,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said in a news release.
“As always, Connecticut residents and visitors alike need to take precautions to prevent forest fires — especially with the forecast calling largely for hot and dry conditions to continue throughout the state over the next few days,” he said.
Klee reminded residents to limit campfires at state parks and forests to the stone or metal rings provided, and to be sure the fire is doused thoroughly when done.
He also noted that recent gypsy moth defoliation has left many trees bare, especially in the southeastern portion of the state, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and creating drier conditions that contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
DEEP reminds all state residents that if they have a permit from their local open burning official allowing them to burn brush on their property, the permit is not valid if the forest fire danger is rated “High,” “Very High” or “Extreme” and the burning is within 100 feet of grasslands or woodlands.
The forest fire danger is posted daily on the DEEP website, www.ct.gov/deep/forestfiredanger.
DEEP’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.
So far this year, 300 acres have burned in Connecticut, DEEP said.
The average number of acres burned per year in Connecticut is about 500.
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.
To protect families and homes from forest fire, DEEP encourages residents to:
• 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 tree limbs which overhang the roof or chimney, and 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 that could block firetruck 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 dead out.
• Dispose 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.
For more information on fire safety, call (860) 424-3630.
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