Press Releases
10/24/2024
DEEP Provides Update on Wildfire Response
DEEP, Along with Local, State, and Out-of-State Entities, Continues to Respond to Multiple Wildfires Around Connecticut; Residents Advised to Continue to Take Precautions While Fire Danger Conditions Are High
(Hartford, CT) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), along with many local fire departments, and state and out-of-state resources, continues to respond to several wildfires across the state, including in Berlin, Canaan, Vernon, and Weston.
These fires have spread rapidly due to dry conditions and fallen leaves, which have created an increased fuel load on the ground. Combatting brush fires is complex and poses serious challenges and risks for firefighters.
Tragically, a Wethersfield firefighter, Robert Sharkevich Sr., died while responding to the fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin on Oct. 22. Emergency responders do heroic work every day, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the people and the environment of our state. We are extremely grateful for Firefighter Sharkevich’s sacrifice, life of service, and to all first responders who are supporting fire suppression efforts statewide.
As of Thursday evening, CT DEEP fire crews are actively managing the following fires:
- The Hawthorne Fire, on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin: Estimated at 107 acres. Second day of air support from CT Air National Guard. Maine Forest Service also providing air support today, dumping water from Silver Lake on areas determined too dangerous for firefighters to enter today.
- Cobble Rd and Rt 63, Canaan estimated at 2.8 acres with reduced risk of expansion thans to Canaan Fire Department and DEEP resources.
- 183 Reservoir Rd, Vernon (Tankerhoosen WMA), estimated at 9 acres, still active, DEEP fire personnel on scene today maintaining perimeter.
- Weston Saugatuck Reservoir Island, estimated at 0.8 acres, active DEEP monitoring
- New fires we are monitoring: Meriden Mountain (local resources), Burlington (local resources), East Granby (local resources), Tolland (local resources), and Easton (local resources).
"Connecticut is experiencing unseasonably warm and dry conditions that have significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The dry weather coupled with the accumulation of fallen leaves, creates the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly. It’s critical for everyone to be aware of the heightened fire danger and to take precautions to prevent accidental fires during this vulnerable time."
State and local fire crews have been working to manage these fires. In particular, the Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, where dry conditions, rugged terrain, and forecasted winds have created additional challenges. The establishment of a no-fly zone remains in effect to protect aerial firefighting operations. Crews continue to operate in 24-hour shifts, with regular reassessments of progress and conditions.
DEEP urges the public to cease the use of drones in the area. When drones are spotted visually or through the monitoring equipment in use, all aircraft conducting support are cleared from the airspace until the threat is removed. This hampers the operations, increases risk, and delays response.
Multiple municipalities and state agencies have mobilized in a coordinated regional response, with firefighters from Colchester, South Windsor, Middlefield, Woodstock, New Milford, Suffield, Southington, Berlin, Shaker Pines, Chester, Wethersfield, Portland, and other towns on-site. These teams, alongside DEEP personnel, are working together to manage the fire, suppress hotspots, and protect nearby residential areas. The use of specialized equipment, including 10 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and 30 fire engines, has been critical in battling the fire in the difficult terrain.
“The response to the Hawthorne Fire is a true example of teamwork with local, state, federal, and private sector partners working together to manage and respond to an emergency.” Said DEMHS Deputy Commissioner, Brenda Bergeron. “Special shoutout to the CT towns and personnel from other states in New England providing essential mutual aid.”
Aerial support from the Connecticut Army National Guard and Maine Forest Service, including the deployment of Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, and Bell Huey UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, has been instrumental in managing the fire. Given the challenging terrain and the fire's size, which has grown to 107 acres, we are grateful for their support. Crews are leveraging water drops to manage fire behavior and to maintain the fire lines.
Fire Danger and Prevention
While the occurrence of forest and brush fires during the fall season is not unusual in Connecticut, the risk has been significantly heightened due to the unseasonably warm and dry weather experienced over the past month.
The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday is an indication that weather conditions are ideal for rapid fire spread and erratic fire behavior. These warnings are triggered by a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions, signaling heightened fire risk and that fires may spread more easily than usual. Although not the same as a fire danger rating, it serves as an important alert to firefighters and the public.
The public is reminded to take extra caution with outdoor activities that could spark a fire and to follow all local regulations regarding open burning.
Forest Fire Prevention Tips
Most wildfires in Connecticut are human-caused by improper burning of debris, campfires, discarded wood ashes, or equipment. To prevent wildfires, the DEEP Forest Fire Control Office recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid campfires or outdoor burning while fire danger remains high. Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires.
- Keep all flammable objects away from fires, and scrape away leaves, twigs, and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from the fire.
- Have firefighting tools nearby and handy.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Drown all fires and carefully dispose of hot charcoal.
- Extinguish smoking materials carefully.
For Homeowners:
- Create a fire-safe zone around your house by clearing flammable vegetation and debris within 30 feet of the house.
- Prune lower limbs of evergreens, which burn quickly during dry periods.
- Remove limbs overhanging the roof or chimney and clear leaves from gutters.
- Use fire-resistant roofing materials, and ensure firefighters can access your home by clearly marking roads and maintaining driveways.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110