The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that, effective immediately, the statewide burn ban for Connecticut’s State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas has been lifted. This decision comes as recent precipitation has significantly improved conditions and lowered the forest fire danger level to LOW to MODERATE statewide over the past few days.
While this rainfall marks a turning point, it is important to remember that Connecticut remains in the fall fire season. Residents are urged to consult their local municipalities for guidance on burning and continue to practice fire safety as conditions evolve.
An Unprecedented Fire Season
Since October 21st, Connecticut has faced one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in recent history, with 227 fires reported, managed, and monitored. The driest period in recorded history and high winds created a perfect storm for wildfire activity.
Despite these extreme conditions, Connecticut’s proactive and aggressive management strategy successfully limited the spread and intensity of brush fires statewide. This is a testament to the collaboration, coordination, and swift action by DEEP, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), local fire departments, the Connecticut Army National Guard and our out-of-state and international partners.
“This season tested us, but it also showcased the effectiveness of our coordinated statewide response and the value of preparedness and collaboration,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “From local fire departments to international crews, every responder was vital in protecting Connecticut’s communities and wildlands. We are deeply grateful for their efforts and the public’s vigilance during this period of extreme fire danger. We encourage the public to continue to be vigilant for the remainder of the fire season, and always, as we all play a critically important role in preventing brush fires from starting.”
Connecticut’s Proactive Strategy and Regional Partnerships
Central to Connecticut’s success was a decision to bring in resources early and to embed DEEP and DEMHS personnel and mutual aid crews directly with local fire departments during firefighting operations. This innovative approach allowed for rapid decision-making, efficient resource deployment, and seamless coordination between teams. The strategy proved vital in preventing small fires from escalating into large-scale events, protecting countless homes, businesses, and natural resources.
Connecticut’s participation in the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Compact, a regional mutual aid agreement, brought invaluable personnel and equipment to the state from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, and Quebec. In addition, teams from Oregon, California, and Nova Scotia also responded to provide assistance, showcasing the broad scope of collaboration required to combat the unprecedented wildfire emergency. Together, these crews worked alongside Connecticut responders to tackle fires statewide, including the Hawthorne Drive fire in Berlin and the Rocky Neck State Park fire in East Lyme.
In total, Connecticut hosted hundreds of firefighters for this common cause. The shared spirit of mutual aid — developed over years of training and deployments — highlighted the strength of regional collaboration and the importance of investing in emergency preparedness. These partnerships brought critical resources to Connecticut and reinforced the relationships and strategies that will continue to protect the state and our compact partners in future emergencies.
Building Resilience Amid Changing Conditions
This wildfire season has highlighted the growing challenges of extreme weather events driven by a changing climate. Just a few months ago, Connecticut was responding to intense and historic flooding in parts of the state, and shortly after the focus shifted to wildfire defense. The frequency and intensity of these extreme events underscore the need for ongoing resilience planning and the implementation of preparedness measures.
“The range of emergency events this fall highlights our need to prepare for more frequent and severe weather,” Commissioner Dykes continued. “Proactive strategies, strong partnerships, and investments in infrastructure and emergency planning not only address today’s challenges but build lasting resilience, delivering immediate value and long-term savings to Connecticut.”
Connecticut’s successes this season demonstrate the importance of investing in emergency planning, training, and collaboration, and we have created a model for more effectively addressing wildfire threats in our densely forested state.
Through the dedication of DEEP personnel, the leadership of DEMHS, and the selfless work of local and mutual aid crews, Connecticut has shown that proactive planning and unified action can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Looking Ahead: Remaining Vigilant
The recent rain is welcome, but it is not a signal to let down our guard. Fall fire season remains active, and fine fuels like leaves and twigs can dry quickly in warm or windy weather, reigniting the potential for fire. Residents are asked to remain cautious, stay aware of local guidance, and continue practicing fire safety in the coming weeks.
Fire Safety Guidance:
- Adhere to Local Burn Laws: Even with the burn ban lifted from state public lands, check with your municipality for any specific restrictions on open burning.
- Handle Fire Responsibly: Use fire pits, grills, and other sources of flame cautiously. Always ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended.
- Dispose of Ashes Safely: Place ashes in a fire-safe container with a sealable lid, and ensure they are cool before disposal. Store the container away from flammable materials.
- Avoid Spark-Generating Activities: Refrain from using lawn equipment, chainsaws, or other machinery near dry vegetation.
- Report Fires Immediately: Call 911 if you see smoke or fire. Quick reporting is critical in preventing the spread of wildfires.
As we move forward, DEEP, DEMHS, and our partners remain committed to ensuring that Connecticut continues to be ready and rises to the occasion for any challenges that lie ahead.
For more information on fire danger and wildfire prevention, visit the Wildfire Prevention page on the DEEP website or contact the DEEP fire danger hotline at (860) 424-3929.
To view the daily fire danger report, go here: Forest Fire Danger Report
If you observe a wildfire, call 911 immediately and provide the location to emergency dispatch. Timely reporting is crucial to containing fires before they spread further.