HARTFORD, CT— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is warning residents to take fire precautions as spring brush fire activity intensifies across the state.
From April 14 to April 21, officials confirmed 40 wildfires, covering roughly 300 acres. Since the start of the year, 155 wildfires have been reported—more than double the 77 reported over the same period in 2024.
DEEP attributes most wildfires to human actions, including improper debris burning, mismanaged campfires, and careless disposal of hot wood ashes.
The department issued specific safety recommendations for homeowners. These include clearing flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from homes, pruning lower limbs of evergreens, removing overhanging branches, and using fire-resistant roofing materials.
They also advised keeping gutters clean, marking driveways for emergency access, and storing firewood away from the structure.
Residents were reminded to stay with outdoor fires until they are fully extinguished and to dispose of ashes in a metal container, soaked with water.
Visitors to Connecticut parks, forests, and open spaces were also advised to obey local fire rules, keep fires surrounded by a cleared 10-foot diameter, and never leave a fire unattended. DEEP urged using water to drown all campfires and hot coals thoroughly.
“If you spot a forest fire,” DEEP instructed, “go to the nearest phone and dial 911 to report it to your local fire department. Tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw the fire. If you see anything suspicious, relay that to the dispatcher as well. Stay on the phone until they tell you to hang up.”
No injuries or structural damage related to the fires have been reported as of this release.
