DEEP Reminds State Residents of Spring Fire Season

A press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding all state residents and visitors that Connecticut traditionally experiences high forest fire danger in the Spring from mid-March through May. Fires that start this time of the year tend to burn leaves on the ground and can spread very fast.  The spring fire season persists until bare trees fully leaf out, normally by mid-May.

 “The beautiful weather that we are having means everyone is eager to get outside and now is a wonderful time to experience Connecticut’s great outdoors,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette.  “It is everyone’s responsibility however, to obey all fire-related rules and safety practices designed to protect our forests and woodlands.  In an average year, forest fires scorch approximately 1,000 acres of Connecticut woodlands but they can be prevented.”

“If you have a permit to burn brush please know when it is allowed and obey all permit requirements and sound burning practices,” added Deputy Commissioner Frechette.  “If you are enjoying the outdoors at a state park or forest always burn your fires in the provided stone or metal fire ring and even in this confined area be sure to douse your fire thoroughly when you are done.”

DEEP’s Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut's 1.8 million acres of forested land.  Forest fire danger levels are classified as low, moderate, high, very high or extreme.

DEEP reminds all state residents that if they have received a permit from their local Open Burning Official to burn brush on their property, the permit is not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high or extreme and you are burning within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.

Ledyard Fire Marshal James Mann said there have been several days this spring already where the fire danger has been high and very high. Mann said Ledyard residents need to call their fire department for permission to burn.

Visit:  www.ct.gov/deep/​forestfiredanger for the daily Forest Fire Danger Level. 

Anyone spotting a forest fire should remain calm and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire Department.