Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Dry Hydrant Grant

dry hydrant installation

The Division of Forestry intermittently has State Fire Assistance Funds available from the U.S. Forest Service for dry hydrant installation, which also includes manhole systems and cisterns. These funds are granted to Connecticut to help communities with projects that would lessen the risk of a wildfire disaster and improve regional preparedness. Connecticut is heavily populated and heavily forested, and many fire departments struggle with rural water supply. 

Public Act #11-184, An Act Creating a Rebuttable Presumption for the Approval of an Inland Wetlands Permit for a Dry Hydrant, makes installation of dry hydrants easier for some fire departments. (Section 1(a)7 and (b)3.).

Grants are awarded on a 50/50 reimbursement basis with the maximum grant amount being:

  • $1,500 for repairs or $2,000 for a standard dry hydrant installation. The town or fire department must pay for the hydrant installation up front. They will be reimbursed up to 50%, but the federal share will not exceed either $1,500 for repairs or $2,000 for new installation. Other federal money cannot be used as a match.
  • Hydrant structures that hang from a bridge are eligible but the maximum cost share rate is $400 (50/50 match, maximum $400).
  • Maximum funding allowed for a cistern or manhole system is $3,000 (50/50 match, maximum $3,000).
  • Difficult installations or installations that run two hydrant heads together may be eligible for a slightly higher reimbursement.

Announcements are sent out to Fire Department Contacts prior to the open application process.

2024 Dry Hydrant Program application period is currently open.  Application must be received by DEEP Forestry by December 2, 2024.  Announcement and application form. 

Content last updated in September 2024.