Despite Rain, Brookfield Burn Ban Remains In Effect

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company cautioned residents Monday that the town is not out of the woods yet.

Despite Sunday evening's rain, fire officials are urging residents to refrain from any outdoor burning until drought conditions improve and the statewide ban is lifted.

"We are getting smoke and odor from the fires from New York and New Jersey today," BVFC posted to Facebook on Monday, asking followers, "if you see an outdoor burn or brush fire, please call 911 to report it immediately."

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.