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By Olivia Drake, HVFC Public Information Officer
(March 22, 2024) — Spring forest fire season in Connecticut spans from mid-March to mid-May. During this time, deciduous trees are bare and the spring sun heats up grasses, leaves, twigs, shrubs and branches on the forest floor. As the days grow longer, these materials dry out and can easily catch fire.
On March 18, 2024, members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company participated in a forest fire/brush fire drill at Station 1. Crews practiced pumping water from a drop tank site, filling water tanks on UTV-13 and Brush 12-13, and “cutting” fire lines in the woods, which would potentially stop a fire from spreading. Since much of Haddam is heavily wooded, brush fires are a common occurrence during the spring and summer seasons.
Several members donned their new wildland fire shirts and helmets, which were supported by a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Volunteer Fire Assistance grant. HVFC is among forty-six volunteer departments statewide to receive funding.
The current forest fire danger is HIGH.
Photos by Olivia Drake
