Brookfield Warns Residents Of Extreme Fire Conditions

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office is warning residents about extreme fire conditions in town.

"Brookfield and the surrounding area continue to be in the EXTREME fire danger status as a result of no rain, increasing winds, temperature, and continuing leaf drop which provides ongoing fuel for fires," fire officials posted on the town website.

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency due to the critical fire weather conditions throughout Connecticut. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Lamont said the state had become "a tinderbox."

A brush fire which began last week in Berlin has grown from 60 to over 120 acres in size. The so-called "Hawthorne Fire" is one of over 50 active fires DEEP is currently tracking. Lamont said fire control authorities now believe the blaze started as a camp fire.

"We are strongly urging all residents to avoid any type of outdoor burning until further notice as the current conditions pose a high risk of fire danger," Brookfield fire officials advised Monday. "This includes campfires, bonfires, pits, chimneys and other similar devices. We ask residents to be vigilant when using s and to properly dispose of smoking materials. If you encounter a fire, please contact 9-1-1 immediately, as these outdoor fires can spread very rapidly."