DEP Advises Caution During Spring Forest Fire Season Connecticut is starting to experience brush fires around the state due to recent dry and breezy weather conditions. In an average year, approximately 1,300 acres of Connecticut woodland are scorched by forest fires. Prevention is the surest way to stop forest fires from occurring. The DEP uses weather data, rainfall accumulation, temperature, current moisture, humidity conditions and weather predictions to provide advisories on expected forest fire danger.
Fire can travel very quickly from a wooded area and damage property and structures.
To lower risk of property damage homeowners and businesses need to clean out gutters, remove fallen leaves, long dry grass and dead vegetation. DEP staff is available to assist local fire departments on brush and forest fires around the state, and will continue to assist with staff and equipment as the fire season continues. If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when you saw it and where you saw it.