RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED FOR CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSSETTS FOR TODAY…VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON
RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED FOR CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSSETTS FOR TODAY…VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all of Southern New England starting at 10:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM this evening. A brisk southwest wind gusting to 30 MPH at times today combined with low relative humidity and mostly sunny skies is expected to result in very high fire danger today. Without any leaves on trees, surface fuels such as high grass, leaves and twigs can dry out very quickly in these conditions.
Any grass or brush fires that start today may spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. The most common causes of fire ignition are campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson.
Message From DEEP Forestry: If you have received a permit from your local Open Burning Official to burn brush on your property, the permit is not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high or extreme and you are burning within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.
Towns are advised to monitor rural areas today for sudden grass or brush fires. There may be additional Red Flag Warnings issued this week as we don’t expect any precipitation and warming temperatures. Towns are advised to watch rural areas until we receive significant precipitation.
DESPP / DEMHS will also monitor conditions today. This will be the only update for today unless a significant brush or grass fire is reported.