Red Flag Warning for Connecticut

(WFSB) – Extremely dry weather conditions have caused dozens of wildfires across the state.

A red flag warning was issued on Friday. This means that fires that develop can spread quickly and are difficult to put out.

“The red flag warnings in California are typically seen for extended dry periods and when it is very windy. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing here in CT,” said Scott Gagliardi, First Alert meteorologist.

First responders across the country are faced with difficult conditions.

“You need moisture, you need rain. We didn't see any of it. The most important criterion for the warning signals is the wind speed. This can help fan the flames that we had out there,” Gagliardi said.

“That wind actually pushes the fire and adds more oxygen to the fire, allowing the fire to spread quickly. “It's more difficult to manage under those conditions,” added Josh Cingranelli, regional coordinator for the region, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, added.

Cingranelli said crews have plans in place in case conditions worsen.

“They work a lot on the cleaning conditions on the mountain. Also keep in mind that if the fire spreads to another area, there are some contingencies to maybe let it burn to a certain area and then stop it and create what is called a fire alliance,” Cingranelli said.

The emergency services reported challenges in fighting the fire, most recently because of the unseasonable heat.

There were 90 fires across the state, with the largest and still active fire being the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin.

As of day 12, the Hawthorne Fire is still at 127 acres.

The emergency services have concentrated on eliminating trouble spots. About 65-70 people were on Lamentation Mountain today.

“We have used unmanned aerial vehicles, drones and so on to establish hotspots. “We fly either the night before or the morning and establish tactical areas where we can send crews to find those hot spots,” said Chief John Massirio of the Berlin Fire Department.

Sixteen more bushfires were extinguished on Friday morning, with 71 of those being monitored for signs of reignition. Two were inactive.

Five bushfires broke out on Thursday.

In Thompson, a fire that started in a garage spread to a wooded area.

An acre of land burned and two firefighters were assessed at the scene for heat exhaustion.

A majority of the fires were caused by humans, state officials confirmed.

“With the dry weather, the brush fire burned fairly deep into the ground,” said Thompson Fire Marshal James Seney. “It was a challenge. We tried to postpone the cruise as much as possible.”

Emergency services also came to the Hawthorne fire in Berlin to help, including an operations management team from New York.

“We have been helping to deal with this incident, so all the resources that are coming in from all over the country and even from Quebec just arrived (Thursday). They come in and need help coping,” said Stephen Rhine, public information officer for the FDNY Incident Management Team.

It's not just about helping to fight fires. Volunteers said they would also ensure crews eat three meals a day and stay hydrated.

“Part of it comes down to morale. You're fighting a fire, a job that not everyone can do. It takes a certain type, and that includes being well-fed and well-hydrated,” said volunteer Bennett Fossey.

Significant rainfall is urgently needed.

In the meantime, there are steps you can take at home to prevent accidental fires from starting.

“One of the fires involved an individual in the town of Ellington who was mulching leaves with his riding lawnmower,” said Connecticut Fire Marshal Rich Schenk. “People have been putting leaves on their houses (and that) becomes fuel. Be as careful as possible when doing this. Most of our fires are caused by people.”

“If you can keep leaves away from the house. I know it can be really challenging with the wind, but also avoid throwing cigarettes outside. That would certainly help alleviate hopefully further fires,” Cingranelli said.

A ban on burning remains in effect at state-owned recreational areas. Some cities and towns have followed suit. Residents were urged to check with their local authority about local restrictions.

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