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

Press Releases

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02/24/2020

EnCon Police Respond to Ice-Related Incidents at Two State Parks on Feb. 23

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Environmental Conservation Police responded around 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, to Burr Pond State Park where 3 people ice fishing fell through the ice. Another fisherman nearby witnessed the incident and went over to help, falling through the ice himself. An EnCon officer first on scene attempted to get to the individuals, but was unable to reach them because of the instability of the ice. Torrington Fire Department rescued the 4 individuals from the water. Two people were taken to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital by ambulance for evaluation and released; two others were taken to Hartford Hospital by Lifestar where they were admitted in stable condition. The incident remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

At about 12:40 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, EnCon Police responded to Mount Tom State Park for a report of two men who had reportedly gone through the ice. Upon arrival, both men were out of the water and told authorities they had been at the state park when, while walking close to shore, they fell through the ice up to their waists. They managed to get themselves to shore. Both men were evaluated by emergency personnel and refused further medical attention. No further information is available at this time.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds the public that ice is never 100 percent safe and that its strength cannot be judged by appearance, thickness or temperature. Other factors including water depth and size of the water body affect the strength of ice. For more information on ice safety, visit the DEEP website.

For more information, contact:

Department of Energy and Environment Protection Communications 

deep.communications@ct.gov