CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS APRIL 4, 2019
RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED FOR ALL OF CONNECTICUT AND SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions, which is in effect from 9:00 AM this morning to 8:00 PM this evening. This warning is in effect for all of southern New England. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has suspended all open burning permits for today for open fires within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.
Windy and dry conditions today are forecast to create critical fire weather conditions during the day. Our area is vulnerable to critical fire weather conditions at this time of the year because green-up and leaf-out has not yet occurred. The strong April sunshine can quickly dry out grass, leaves, sticks and brush (a.k.a. fuels) on the forest floor.
Any grass or brush fires that get ignited today can spread quickly in these conditions. The highest threat is expected between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM when the relative humidity will be at it’s lowest level for the day with brisk west winds gusting to 25 - 35 MPH at times. Towns are encouraged to closely monitor their areas for grass and brush fires.
A few local brush or grass fires of 1 - 5 acres in size are typical in these conditions, however larger fires do occasionally occur. Any significant brush or grass fires should be reported to your DEMHS Regional Office as time permits.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection will continue to closely monitor weather conditions today. However, this will be the only external update unless significant fire activity occurs.