Parts of Connecticut will experience an elevated wildfire risk this weekend, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
DEEP is warning Connecticut residents and visitors of an increased wildfire risk in eastern Connecticut on Friday and in the south-central parts of the state throughout the weekend.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, wildfire danger levels are raised from “high” to “extreme” across the state and are expected to remain that way until significant rainfall occurs, DEEP said in a statement Friday.
“As always, Connecticut residents and visitors should take precautions to prevent wildfires,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This is especially true right now as we expect very dry conditions with low relative humidity to continue across the state for the next few days. If you are enjoying the outdoors in a state park or forest, always limit your fire pits in the stone or metal rings provided and make sure the fire is thoroughly extinguished when finished.”
According to DEEP, the department’s Division of Forestry constantly monitors wildfire danger to help protect Connecticut’s 1.8 million acres of forested land. So far in 2022, 300 acres have burned in Connecticut, DEEP said.
The average number of acres burned per year in Connecticut is about 500, according to the department.
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Residents are reminded that open burning permits are not valid if the wildfire danger is classified as high, very high or extreme, or if the burn occurs within 100 feet of a grassland or a forest
Anyone who spots a wildfire should call 911 immediately.
DEEP released a list of tips to help prevent wildfires while the danger is high, including creating a fire safe zone around your home and clearing flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings.
DEEP also suggests pruning the lower limbs of evergreen trees that are within the fire safety zone because evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly, removing limbs that overhang the roof or chimney , regularly removing leaves and needles from the gutters, no. t store firewood in the fire safe area, using fire resistant roofing materials and making sure firefighters can find and access your home.
DEEP suggests that people clearly mark their homes and roads and trim limbs and trees along their driveways that do not allow access to fire trucks and have and practice an escape plan.
Residents and visitors are also asked to follow state and local outdoor burning laws, stay with outdoor fires until completely safe, and dispose of wood ash in a metal bucket, soaking – them with water before pouring them.
DEEP also asked that people in Connecticut’s parks, forests and open spaces use fires with caution and follow the following recommendations:
Obey local laws regarding open fires, including bonfires. Keep all flammable objects away from fire. Keep fire extinguishers close at hand. Carefully dispose of the hot coal. Put out all the fires. Extinguish smoking materials with caution.
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