High forest fire risk across most of Connecticut on Saturday, officials warn

Connecticut officials warned Saturday that most of the state is facing high forest-fire danger, extending a week-long run of elevated risk tied to dry conditions and summer heat.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said moderate risk remains only in parts of western and south-central Connecticut. According to DEEP's daily forest-fire danger report, the lower-risk areas include Litchfield County west of Route 8, Fairfield County north of Trumbull, New Haven County west of Route 69, and areas north of Route 68.

The warning comes after several days of high fire danger across the state. Earlier this week, DEEP said all eight counties were at high risk, and a Friday update said large parts of Connecticut remained in that category even after thunderstorms the day before.

What DEEP is warning about

DEEP said brush-burning permits issued by local officials are not valid when fire danger is high, very high or extreme if the burning is within 100 feet of grassland or woodland.

The agency also urged people using parks, forests and open spaces to be careful with open flames, fully extinguish smoking materials, dispose of hot charcoal properly, keep flammable items away from fires and never leave fires unattended.

Why it matters

Officials say the conditions increase the likelihood of human-caused brush and forest fires and raise the risk that flames could spread quickly in dry, warm weather. The warning also affects public recreation areas and could limit outdoor burning activity.

What to watch next

DEEP may update the fire-danger rating again if weather conditions change. Officials will be watching for any new rainfall that could reduce risk, along with any brush-fire incidents reported by local fire departments.