High Fire Risk Across Connecticut As Officials Urge Caution: Fire Officials

Fire officials are warning of elevated wildfire risk across Connecticut as dry spring conditions increase the potential for fast-moving brush fires.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has classified the state’s forest fire danger level as high for Monday, with Hartford County listed at very high.

Officials said the elevated risk is driven by seasonal factors that allow fires to spread quickly.

“Spring is the typical brush fire season in Connecticut, and a few factors come together to elevate the risk,” said Christopher Martin, forestry director for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Low relative humidity and wind can quickly dry out leaves and small twigs on the forest floor, making them easy to ignite. We also don’t yet have full leaf canopy coverage, so sunlight reaches the ground and increases heat.”

Connecticut typically experiences its peak fire season between mid-March and May, when leafless trees and warming temperatures cause forest fuels such as grass, leaves, and small branches to dry out rapidly.

During this time of year, even small ignition sources—including discarded cigarettes, outdoor burning, or improperly extinguished charcoal — can quickly lead to brush fires.

“This is prime time right now,” Martin added. “We’ll stay in this phase until leaf-out, usually around mid-May.”

Martin said the current conditions are typical for this time of year but still require caution from residents.

He advised residents to use caution with outdoor burning, noting that permits are required for larger fires and that campfires and charcoal should never be left unattended.

Officials are also reminding residents that burn permits are not valid when fire danger levels are rated high or above if burning occurs near grassland or wooded areas.