The author, Kevin Catalano, is chief of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.
Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency throughout Connecticut due to critical fire weather conditions. A Wethersfield firefighter was killed earlier this week battling a massive brush fire in Berlin. There is a red flag warning, no outdoor burning due to ‘Extreme” forest fire danger per the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Sustained lack of rainfall has led to very dry conditions, coupled with unusually warm weather and low humidity, with wind playing a factor on some days. As the leaves fall, the canopy over wooded areas is removed, causing the leaves and sticks on the ground to become even drier.
This is typically a time of year when residents might burn brush and yard debris which is a common cause of brush fires. Leaves are always prohibited from being burned.
When residents dispose of ashes directly in the woods or yard, the ashes can stay hot for several days, rekindle and start a sizable fire. This was the cause of two brush fires in Monroe this week when fires broke out at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. In one case, flames were 25 feet in the air when firefighters arrived.
This is also a time of year (after Oct 1) that residents would have generally been allowed to burn brush and other allowable materials with a permit. The permit must be obtained annually from the Fire Marshal’s office at town hall for $10.
Residents are often unaware a permit is required, but the reason is the permit details the rules and procedures about what materials cannot be burned and when burning is allowed.
The permit outlines that the holder is required to call the police station each day before burning to confirm burning is not banned that day and so that police and firefighters are aware there will be smoke in that area. Again, there is currently no burning allowed until further notice.
Violators found burning outdoors at this dangerous time in Monroe can be subject to criminal charges. At least one town resident has received a court summons.
Monroe firefighters handled the following brush fires this week:
- Large fire in a backyard on Scenic Hill Lane Monday overnight.
- Fire in a side yard close to the house on Spring Hill Road Thursday overnight.
- Camp fires in Webb Mountain Park Friday evening which were difficult to access.
Town firefighters have temporarily revised their standard operating procedures to add additional resources (firefighters and equipment) for any reported brush fire in town. Typically a brush fire response includes engines, tankers that carry additional water, the town’s brush truck housed in Stevenson, and where needed, utility or all terrain vehicles.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name.
