Berlin Brush Fire: Some Trails Reopen, Fire 73 Percent Contained: BVFD

BERLIN, CT — In a sure sign of improving conditions at the large brush fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, firefighters said Thursday that nearby trails are, now, starting to reopen.

The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department said the massive blaze, which started Oct. 21 due to an abandoned campfire amid dry conditions, is about73 percent contained and has impacted 127 acres.

Fire officials said attack operations at Lamentation Mountain are "slowing down," with the focus changing to "patrol and monitor status."

" Crews will continue to watch for hot spots and flare-ups while dry conditions persist," wrote the BVFD Thursday.

Meanwhile, nearby hiking trails are, slowly, starting to reopen with users urged to continue to practice caution amid the dry weather.

The BVFD said a portion of Giuffrida Park is now open as of Thursday and the reservoir loop and Chauncey Peak will now be accessible.

Meanwhile, the red and yellow blazed trails on the west side of the park will remain closed along with the portion of the blue-blazed Mattabasset from Giuffrida Park in Meriden to Lamentation Drive in Berlin.

The BVFD said Tthe closed trail heads have been marked and "we ask the public to respect those closures."

"Hose and equipment remain in place and until the remaining hazards are clear your safety is our number one priority," wrote the BVFD.

From Nov. 4: 'Berlin Brush Fire: Optimism Sets In For Firefighters'