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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07/19/2021

Search for Missing Teens on Farmington River

(HARTFORD)—DEEP Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) are continuing a land-based search for the two Plainville teens who have been missing since Thursday night. High water levels continue, creating a dangerous situation on the water, on the Farmington River and at water bodies across the state. DEEP is urging caution for anyone using water bodies in Connecticut for recreation, including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Water levels will remain high this week, and dangerous conditions should be expected.  

DEEP met today with the Army Corps of Engineers, who will be releasing water from the Colebrook Reservoir. Water levels in the reservoir are dangerously high, and to prevent an overflow of the dam, water must be released into the Farmington River. Depending on water conditions, the release may allow for the dam to be drawn down on Friday, reducing the water into the river and lowering water levels enough to facilitate a search in the water on Saturday. EnCon will re-evaluate water levels on Friday to determine the feasibility of another recovery operation on Saturday.  DEEP EnCon expects to continue land-based searches until then, with EnCon officers patrolling the shorelines.    

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DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110