Redding, Easton & Weston Crews Tackle Brushfire

REDDING, CT — Emergency crews from around the area joined Redding firefighters in their battle with a brush fire that claimed about two-and-a-half acres of the Centennial Watershed State Forest this weekend.

The communications center at Redding Fire & EMS Company #1 was first notified of the blaze at 12:19 a.m. Saturday. The large brushfire had already brought down power lines in the area of 60 Newtown Turnpike.

"Shifting winds, darkness, steep hills, and cliffs all posed significant challenges to our crews," fire officials posted on social media. The chiefs praised the "strong teamwork and extraordinary individual efforts" which prevented this fire from "becoming catastrophic."

Firefighters from West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, Weston Volunteer Fire Department, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Mill Plain Independent Hose Company, #12, Bethel Fire & EMS, Danbury Volunteer Fire Battalion 19, Wilton Firefighters Local 2233, Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department and crews from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection joined Redding Fire & EMS to bring the brush fire under control.

Crews from Redding Fire, GVFC and DEEP returned later in the day to check for hot spots.

Weston firefighters noted on Facebook that Saturday's fire was the 12th outdoor fire the company had tackled within the last month.

Connecticut has suffered through a string of Red Flag Warning days, when very low humidities, and strong winds combine to produce an increased risk of wild fires.

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.

"Our community's diligent caution during these extreme weather conditions is especially appreciated," Redding fire officials said.

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.