“Fireman” Tim Rowe, of East Haddam, starts the fire for the 2023 annual Burning of the Greens at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. Ringing in the new year, the event featured a controlled burn for Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. The fire was accompanied with hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a performance from the Old Lyme Town Band. (Daniel Passapera/Special to The Day)

The Old Lyme Town Band performs during the 2023 annual Burning of the Greens at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. Ringing in the new year, the event featured a controlled burn for Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. The fire was accompanied with hot chocolate and Christmas carols. (Daniel Passapera/Special to The Day)

Over a dozen gather to watch the 2023 annual Burning of the Greens at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. Ringing in the new year, the event featured a controlled burn for Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. The fire was accompanied with hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a performance from the Old Lyme Town Band. (Daniel Passapera/Special to The Day)

Tim Rowe, right, and his father Jeff Rowe, watch in awe as they run the fire during the 2023 annual Burning of the Greens at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. Ringing in the new year, the event featured a controlled burn for Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. The fire was accompanied with hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a performance from the Old Lyme Town Band. (Daniel Passapera/Special to The Day)