Open burning is forbidden, even with permits, on Sunday because the forest fire danger is high in Connecticut.
All open burning permits are suspended while the fire danger is high. On Saturday, forest fire danger was listed as "very high" and nearly two dozen fire departments fought a massive brush fire in Nepaug State Forest in New Hartford that afternoon.
“Residents need to know that any permit to burn brush is not valid when the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high, or extreme,” DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen said in a statement Saturday. “Anyone spotting a forest fire should remain calm and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire Department.”
The Division of Forestry at DEEP monitors forest fire danger "to help protect Connecticut's 1.8 million acres of forest land," DEEP said.
DEEP gives the following tips to help Connecticut residents prevent fires:
- To make the area around your home "fire safe," clear any vegetation and debris that is flammable in a 30-foot radius around your house.
- Trim lower branches on evergreens near your house because that type of tree burns quickly.
- Cut any branches that hang over your roof or chimney.
- Clean leaves and needles from your gutters.
- Don't store firewood in your fire safe zone.
- Outfit your house with fire-resistant roofing materials.
- Make your home ease for firefighters to locate and access by ensuring your home is marked clearly and clearing branches and trees along your driveway that would make it difficult for a fire truck to fit.
- Form an escape plan and practice it.
- Abide by state and municipal open burning laws.
- Supervise outdoor fires until they are completely safe and extinguished.
- Throw out wood ashes into a metal bucket and soak the ashes in water before dumping them out.
Here are some other fire safety tips when visiting Connecticut’s parks, forests, and open space:
- Obey local open fire laws, including campfires
- Make sure to keep flammable objects away from fire
- Keep firefighting tools nearby.
- Dispose of hot charcoal very carefully.
- Pour water on fires to extinguish them when you're done.
- Make sure to extinguish materials that are smoking cautiously.
