Leaf Burning in Container Sets Half-Acre Aflame

Post from Haddam Volunteer Fire Company:

Haddam Volunteer Fire Company contained and extinguished a brush fire April 16 behind a residence on Beaver Meadow Road. The homeowner was burning leaves in a container when one of the leaves escaped and landed in the woods.

The homeowner went inside to retrieve water, but upon returning, the fire had spread up the hill. Firefighters climbed the hill and after about 45 minutes, had the fire extinguished and had removed burning trees that were dead and smoldering. In all, approximately a half acre was burned.

This is the second brush fire this week in Haddam. Despite significant snow melt and soggy ground, a high brush fire threat remains until trees and grass green up.

What covers the ground is dead and very flammable, prompting the National Weather Service to post red flag warnings around the region as dry air masses and westerly winds create the potential for fast-spreading fires.