Bethel Burn Ban Remains In Effect: Fire Marshal

BETHEL, CT — The Bethel fire marshal is reminding residents that any outdoor fire is still prohibited.

"No bonfires, no campfires, no burning brush, or any other type of outdoor fire is allowed. Our volunteer fire departments have responded to dozens of open burn complaints in the last two weeks and at least one resulting in a misdemeanor summons. We have been very lucky not to have had any large brush fires and want to keep it that way," Fire Marshal Tom Galliford said in an alert notification posted Monday.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has declared that a Red Flag Warning — signaling strong winds and extremely dry conditions — is still in effect across the state.

Since Oct. 21, the state has experienced a total of 150 brush fires, of which 74 fires are currently being monitored and 13 fires are in the mop-up stage, DEEP officials said Friday. Fifty-nine fires are being carefully watched for signs of reignition due to ongoing dry and windy weather. A statewide emergency burn ban remains in effect for all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.

DEEP has provided these tips to minimize the risk of fire:

• Home Heating Ash: When disposing of ashes from wood stoves or fireplaces, ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a fire-safe container with a sealable lid. The container can be stored outdoors but must be kept away from flammable materials.
• Machinery and Equipment: Avoid using lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other machinery that could spark near dry grass and leaves.
• Cigarette Disposal: Dispose of cigarette butts properly in fire-safe containers.
• Vehicle Parking: Refrain from parking vehicles on dry grass, as heat from the exhaust system can ignite fires.
• Open Flames: Avoid using any open flames outdoors until conditions improve.