Red flag warning issued for Connecticut

(WFSB) – Dozens of wildfires ignited across the state due to extremely dry weather conditions.

A red flag warning was issued on Friday.

Crews reported challenges fighting the fires, the most recent of which was unusual heat.

There were 90 fires across the state, the largest and still active being the Hawthorne fire in Berlin.

Sixteen were cleared Friday morning and 71 were monitored for signs of reignition. Two were inactive.

Five forest fires broke out on Thursday.

In Thompson, a fire that started in a garage spread to a wooded area.

An acre of land was burned and two firefighters were assessed at the scene for heat exhaustion.

A majority of the fires were caused by humans, state officials confirmed.

“The dry weather caused the brush to burn quite deep into the ground,” said Thompson Fire Marshal James Seney. “It was a challenge. We tried to vary the cruise as much as possible.”

Crews also responded to the Hawthorne fire in Berlin, including an incident management team from New York.

“We helped contain that incident, so all the resources coming in from all over the country and even as far away as Quebec just showed up (Thursday). They come in and they need help with management,” said Stephen Rijn, public information officer for the FDNY incident management team.

It’s not just help fighting the fires. Volunteers said they also make sure crews get three meals a day and stay hydrated.

“Some of that has to do with morale. They are fighting a fire, which is not a job that everyone can do. It takes a certain type, and part of that is being well nourished and well hydrated,” says volunteer Bennett Fossey.

Officials asked residents to do their part.

“One of the fires involved an individual from the town of Ellington who was mulching leaves with his lawn mower,” said Rich Schenk, a Connecticut fire control officer. “People have packed leaves against their houses (and that) becomes fuel. Be as careful as possible with this. Most of our fires are caused by humans.”

A ban on burning fires remains in place at state-owned recreational sites. Some cities and towns have followed suit. Residents were urged to check with their local council about local restrictions.

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