'Carelessness' Behind 'Stubborn' Brush Fire In Southington: Chief

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Thursday's rain showers notwithstanding, the area has experienced a great amount of dry weather in recent weeks.

Prior to the much-need batch of wet weather, the Southington Fire Department experienced exactly why such weather is unwelcome, with a pesky brush fire taking up their time.

It was a fire, officials said, that was caused due to carelessness.

According to SFD Chief Eric T. Heath, the "stubborn brush fire" was behind YMCA Camp Sloper, which is located at 1000 East St., Southington.

“The Southington Fire Department assisted by the South Kensington Volunteer Fire Department (Berlin) spent countless man-hours and equipment utilization to extinguish this fire," he said.

Heath said the SFD was aided by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Foresty Unit.

Sadly, Heath said, the blaze could have been prevented.

"The fire, was likely caused by the carelessness of persons leaving either unattended fires or disposing of ashes, etc, from camp fires in areas that are not sanctioned for that activity,” wrote Heath.

He said when the fire danger is high like it was Wednesday, folks should refrain from outdoor burning.