RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED AGAIN FOR TODAY FOR CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSSETTS…VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON
RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED AGAIN FOR TODAY FOR CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSSETTS…VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON
The National Weather Service has once again issued a Red Flag Warning for all of Southern New England from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM this evening. A moderately strong northwest wind gusting to 30 - 35 MPH at times today combined with low relative humidity and mostly sunny skies is expected to result in very high fire danger. Although temperatures are cooler today, winds are forecast to be a little stronger. The leaves have now come out on most trees, however, no rainfall during the past 8 days has resulted in very dry soils and surface fuels such as high grass, leaves and twigs.
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. Towns are advised to watch rural areas until we receive significant rainfall. The forecast for the next two weeks is for dryer than normal conditions.
DESPP / DEMHS will also monitor conditions today.