Red Flag Warning for Hazardous Fire Conditions

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued a Red Flag warning for hazardous fire conditions. Tom Galliford, Bethel's Fire Marshall said that with the wind and this winter's low humidity, fire can spread quickly. “Even people with permits shouldn't burn. There could be a problem. The Red Flag index is high. With the wind, it fans the fires, there are a lot of woodlands here.”

Red Flag warnings are issued when there will be high winds or frequent gusts above a certain threshold. Red Flag conditions are also defined by humidity levels below 30%, and less than 1/4 inch of rain or less for the previous five days.

As a result, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced that the Forest Fire Danger Level is currently very high and that weather conditions will cause any brush fires to spread rapidly.

Galliford said that it has been several years since there was a big fire. “We have had some pretty good brush fires, Route 53 by St Mary's church, but that was years ago. Its been nice and quiet the last few years, and we want it to stay that way.”

If a person wants to burn materials, Galliford said they should get a permit. “Come to Fire Marshall's office and we'll look at the material you want to burn. The permit is for branches three inches in diameter. You should have a rake and hose handy in case it gets out of control. Once you get the permit, you have 30 days to use it, but you should also check the red flag index.”

“Residents need to know that any permit to burn brush is not valid when the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high, or extreme,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. “Anyone spotting a forest fire should remain calm and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire Department.”

Forest Fire Prevention Tips

DEEP 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;

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;

For more information on fire safety, contact DEEP’s Forestry Division at (860) 424-3630.