Vernon Fire Officials A 'Broken Record' With Open Burning Warnings

VERNON, CT — Vernon fire officials are saying it again ...

Stop the open burning.

"We know we sound like a broken record, believe us, we're tired of making these posts too. Since our rain-dances don't seem to be working, all open burning is still prohibited," fire officials said. "Please help us to keep our community safe."

Heading into the weekend, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is maintaining a Red Flag warning, its highest level of susceptibility for brush fires.

Vernon fire officials said that, over the "last couple of weeks," they have responded to two "significant brush fires," two lawnmower fires, 12 unauthorized burns, multiple mulch fires and two trash fires.

"The forest fire danger level remains extreme ... No open burning of any kind is permitted," Vernon fire officials said.

Said DEEP officials, "Red Flag Warning conditions are forecasted for Friday and extending through the weekend. The state faces critical fire weather with strong winds and extremely dry conditions, increasing the risk for wildfires. Until Connecticut receives a soaking rain of at least 2-to-3 inches, it will not be sufficient to lower the fire risk, and the public is urged to maintain a cautious approach to any activities involving fire or equipment that could spark a blaze."

Deep officials offered several tips to prevent wildfires:

• Avoid campfires or outdoor burning while fire danger remains high. Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires.
• Keep all flammable objects away from fires, and scrape away leaves, twigs, and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from the fire.
• Have firefighting tools nearby and handy.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Drown all fires and carefully dispose of hot charcoal.
• Extinguish smoking materials carefully.