By Olivia Drake, HVFCo. Public Information Officer.
In Connecticut, brush fire season runs from mid-March to mid-May. During this time, firefighters see an increase of brush and forest fires due to dry land and vegetation, warming temperatures, and heavy winds.
“All it takes is a burning cigarette butt to ignite dormant grass along the highway, or a single ember, sparking from a campfire, to catch dry leaves on fire. Early spring generally has high forest fire danger levels so it’s important to use fires with caution,” said Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Chief Sam Baber.
On April 8, 2019, members of HVFC participated in a brush fire drill at Station One. Firefighters practiced operating water pumps on Utility Trucks 9-13, 11-13, and 12-13; running a portable water pump from a drop tank; hose-line operations, and using chainsaws and other power equipment. Crews also reviewed the placement of various tools such as rakes and portable backpack tanks.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Fire Control Office recommends that homeowners create a safe fire zone around their home.
- Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings;
- Prune away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly;
- Remove any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney;
- Regularly remove leaves and needles from gutters;
- Use fire-resistant roofing materials;
- Make sure firefighters can find and access your home. Prune away limbs and trees along your driveway which don’t allow fire truck access;
- Follow state and local open burning laws;
- Stay with outside fires until they are completely safe and dead out;
- Dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.
