Tips for Preventing Forest Fires

According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), on average, approximately 1,300 acres of Connecticut woodland are scorched by forest fires each year. The spring fire season typically runs from mid-March until mid-May. During the spring fire season and at certain other times of the year, DEEP’s Division of Forestry issues daily Forest Fire Danger Ratings for the state based on how fast a fire travels and drought measures. The ratings range from low to extreme.

To prevent forest fires, DEEP recommends that citizens use fires with caution and

1. obey local laws regarding open fires,
2. keep flammable objects away from fire,
3. keep firefighting tools nearby, and
4. drown all fires and dispose of hot charcoal with care, and
5. extinguish smoking materials carefully.