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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07/27/2021

Elevated Levels of Fine Particles in Air This Evening Due to Western Wildfires

Levels Ranging From Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy Levels Throughout the State, Except for Litchfield County, Until 11 p.m. Tonight

 

(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is issuing an air quality alert for all of Connecticut today, except for Litchfield County. The smoke plume from the western wildfires that passed over Connecticut produced unhealthy fine particle (PM2.5) levels across the entire state yesterday. These fine particles became trapped in the lower atmosphere overnight and have been slow to disperse this morning. DEEP encourages residents to limit outdoor activities today until 11 p.m.

 

Until about 11 p.m. tonight, fine particle levels will reach unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy levels throughout Connecticut, except Litchfield County, where levels will be high-moderate.

 

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Keep outdoor activities short.
  • Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

Everyone else – takeany of these steps to reduce your exposure:

  • Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
  • Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
  • Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

For more information on air quality, including DEEP’s daily Air Quality Index, go here.

 

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DEEP.communications@ct.gov
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