Connecticut Declares State of Emergency, Burn Ban Due to Severe Fire Conditions

The state of Connecticut on Saturday instituted a ban on the use of outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas due to statewide severe fire weather conditions and the ongoing Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain that is affecting Berlin, Meriden, and surrounding areas.

This ban follows Governor Ned Lamont’s declaration of a state of emergency across Connecticut on Friday. The declaration mobilizes all state resources to address active and potential wildfires and enforce precautionary measures to protect residents, property, and natural resources.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said the so-called “burn ban” on state lands is part of an effort to prevent new fires in light of the forecast for prolonged dangerous fire weather conditions to avoid overtaxing available firefighting resources now fighting existing fires, which are occurring in several areas across the state.

Connecticut remains at “very high to extreme fire risk, with no forecasted rainfall over the next week to alleviate conditions,” according to DEEP.

Since October 21, DEEP and emergency responders have been battling the Hawthorne Fire, which has spread over 100 acres. In addition, DEEP said multiple smaller fires have ignited across the state due to dry conditions, with several requiring substantial resources and posing continued risks to nearby communities.

A firefighter helping to battle the Lamentation Mountain fire was killed in a vehicle accident last week.

Air support is responding to assist response in several of these locations around the state. A no-fly zone remains in effect over Lamentation Mountain, and Lamentation Mountain State Park and the Silver Lake Boat Launch remain closed. DEEP warned against recreational drones, unauthorized hiking, ATV use, and low-altitude flights near active fire zones that have hampered firefighting operations. “These activities delay response times, create hazardous conditions for firefighters, and increase risks to both first responders and the public,” DEEP’s announcement stated.

Officials urged anyone who observes a wildfire to call 911 immediately and provide the location to emergency dispatch.