Newtown Fire Marshal Warns Of Dangerous Conditions

NEWTOWN, CT — The town fire marshal is warning residents of the dangers of a fire during the area's extraordinary dry spell.

"Due to the ongoing drought conditions, the forest fire danger is extreme in our area," Fire Marshal Rich Frampton said in a town alert emailed Thursday. "Precautions should be taken to prevent fires. If you are enjoying the outdoors, always limit your campfires o the stone or metal rings and be sure your fire is doused thoroughly when done."

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has warned residents throughout the drought to be extra vigilant. The Forest Fire Danger Level for Thursday is "high."

DEEP officials advise residents who spot a forest fire to remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to their local fire department. Residents should calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when they saw it, where you saw it, and stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells them to hang up.