Brush Fire Breaks Out In Wooded Area Of Vernon

VERNON, CT — A large brush fire broke out in Vernon Monday afternoon, sending a plume of smoke into the air that could be seen for miles and the smell extended well into Tolland.

The affected area was a thick section of woods to the north of the Reservoir Road-Fish and Game Road intersection.

The smoke could be seen clearly from as far away as the Bolton Road overpass on Interstate 84 and fire officials said the smell was affecting people well into the Bald Hill area of Tolland. Several Tolland residents reported a smoke situation at their homes.

Fire trucks and and ambulances were entrenched at the scene with stretchers being wheeled and carried to the area.

The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. and declared under control about 5:30 p.m.

A Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wildfire team walked the perimeter of the area and seemed confident the fire will not spread beyond the current perimeter, Vernon Assistant Fire Chief Robert Babcock said. The bulk of the fire was knocked down but will continue to smolder overnight inside the perimeter, he said.

Residents along I-84 and in the area of the fire, between exits 66 and 67 of I-84, may continue to smell smoke through the night.

Vernon Emergency Medical Technicians evaluated two firefighters at the scene, but did not transport them to the hospital, Babcock said.

In addition to all Town of Vernon Fire Department companies, firefighters from Bolton, Coventry, Ellington, Tolland and Willington battled the fire. Firefighters from South Windsor and the Broad Brook section of East Windsor staff Vernon's fire stations during the incident.

The Vernon Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause .

On both Sunday and Monday, state officials said that the forest fire danger level was very high throughout most of the state.

They said, "The DEEP's Forest Fire Control Office urges all who enjoy the use of Connecticut's parks, forests and open spaces, to use fires with caution and practice forest fire prevention tips especially during forest fire season. People need to obey local laws regarding open fires, carefully dispose of hot charcoal , and completely extinguish smoking materials."