Camillo, Greenwich Fire Department Warn Against Outdoor Burning

Information via Town of Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — First Selectman Fred Camillo and the Greenwich Fire Department are urging Greenwich residents to take steps to prevent fires during current dry conditions and not do any outdoor burning for the time being.

Open burning is already strictly prohibited under town ordinances, but the Greenwich Fire Department says residents should also avoid having fire pits or bonfires and avoid using outdoor grills for the time being. If they are used, residents should make sure there is proper supervision and safety measures in place.

While there have not yet been any reported incidents in Greenwich, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT-DEEP) reports there are several active fires in the State that they are trying to contain.

There is an increased risk of outdoor fires right now thanks to the unusually dry conditions around the state.

The Forest Fire Danger Level for Fairfield County has been at the "extreme" level for the last few days and last Friday, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency due to critical fire weather conditions.

CT-DEEP has implemented a statewide burn ban at all state parks, forest and trails. People should be cautious and dispose of fireplace ashes and cigarettes properly, and clear away dry leaves and brush and avoid using any equipment that could generate sparks.

"If you spot a forest fire, you should remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the fire department. Please calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when you saw it and where you saw it and stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up," the town of Greenwich said in a news release.

More information is online here.