Red Flag Warning Issued For CT: Here's What That Means

NORTHERN CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a Red Flag Warning, cautioning residents to avoid open burning over the next few days.

"According to the National Weather Service, “a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.” Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish. During the early spring, dry conditions coupled with higher winds and a lack of green vegetation cause conditions that will cause fires to spread very rapidly," state officials said.

The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control also reminded all residents to avoid all open burning during this time. Several communities had large area brush fires this weekend and that trend is expected to continue.

"Open burning is regulated by both DEEP and your local community for public health reasons, so it is important that you contact your local fire department prior to beginning any open burning activities," state officials said. "Another critical safety factor is the Forest Fire Danger Index which is defined by DEEP and is dependent on moisture, wind and other factors. Open burning is prohibited when the danger index is high, very high or extreme."

See also: Bear Sightings, Home Invasions In CT On The Rise: Town-By-Town Updates

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Here are the forecast details via the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 67. West wind around 9 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light south wind becoming west 8 to 13 mph in the morning.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 7 to 13 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 7 to 11 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 6 to 10 mph.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.