The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a Reg Flag warning cautioning residents throughout the state 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.
The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control would like to remind 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. 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. For more information on all open burning requirements search under DEEP: Open Burning or DEEP: Forest Fire Danger Report.
The Connecticut Fire Academy is the teaching arm of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. Part of their mission is educating the public in fire and burn prevention.