July 30: The National Weather Service and state environmental officials are warning Connecticut residents of an increased fire danger Saturday afternoon.
In a news release, the NWS said “sunny conditions combined with gusty winds of up to 20 mph and extremely dry conditions today will result in high fire potential” Saturday afternoon. The NWS is forecasting breezes around 15 mph for the New London area Saturday afternoon, but light, variable winds of 5 to 10 mph Sunday.
Governor Ned Lamont has declared much of the state to be in a phase 2 drought. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection urges residents to take “extra caution and follow all regulations when burning outdoors,” such as when using a campfire or campfire .
Tips include:
—Keep all flammable objects (including leaves, branches, grass and other materials and objects) at least 10 feet away from the fire.
—Never leave a fire unattended.
— Have the fire extinguishing tools at hand.
—When you’re done, put out the fire with water and stir until the ingredients stop smoking.
—Carefully remove coal, coals and ashes.
Residents can find tips for protecting their property from wildfires at bit.ly/connffpt.
It was unclear whether or not the fire warning would be extended, James Fowler, a DEEP spokesman, said Saturday. “That will depend on the forecast winds and what the relative humidity does,” he said.
Breezy conditions were expected to improve after Saturday, but conditions will remain dry, Gary Lessor of Western Connecticut State University’s Center for Weather and Meteorology Studies said by phone Saturday afternoon.