Cause of Hopyard Fire Suspected to be Human [Video]

A fire that broke out late Monday afternoon in  is suspected to have been caused by human activity. Ralph Scarpino, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Fire Supervisor, said in a press conference today that there were hikers in the area and the fire was most likely the result of human activity.

The official cause of the fire, Scarpino says, is still under investigation.

Lack of precipitation during the winter, low humidity and high winds added fuel to the fire, allowing it to spread quickly. Hemlock in the Hopyard, according to the DEEP, were quickly consumed and added the fuel needed by the fire to continue to burn.

In light of the Hopyard fire, the DEEP today reminded residents that the Forest Fire Danger Level is currently VERY HIGH and that weather conditions will cause any brush fires to spread rapidly.

“Residents need to know that any permit to burn brush is not valid when the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high, or extreme,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. 

“Anyone spotting a forest fire should remain calm and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire Department,” Frechette says.

DEEP encourages residents of Connecticut to protect their families and homes from forest fire by:

• Making a fire safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings;
• Pruning away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly;
• Removing any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney;
• Regularly removing leaves and needles from gutters;
• Not storing firewood in the fire safe zone;
• Using fire resistant roofing materials;
• Making sure firefighters can find and access your home. Mark your house and roads clearly and prune away limbs and trees along your driveway which do not allow fire truck access;
• Having an escape plan and practicing it;
• Following state and local open burning laws;
• Staying with outside fires until they are completely safe and dead out; and
• Disposing of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.

For those who enjoy the use of Connecticut’s parks, forests, and open spaces, use fires with caution and follow these recommendations:

• Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires;
• Keep all flammable objects away from fire;
• Have firefighting tools nearby and handy;
• Carefully dispose of hot charcoal;
• Drown all fires;
• Extinguish smoking materials with caution.

For more information on fire safety, contact DEEP’s Forestry Division at 860-424-3630 or visit their website.