A statewide emergency is declared as emergency crews battle multiple wildfires across Connecticut

(WFSB) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced a ban on the use of outdoor flames due to severe fire weather conditions across the state.

This ban follows Gov. Ned Lamont’s declaration of a state of emergency on Friday.

The restrictions include outdoor grills, fire pits, campfires and any use of fire in state parks, forests and wildlife refuges.

As multiple agencies respond to wildfires across Connecticut Saturday morning, emergency crews are still battling a six-day wildfire in Berlin.

Firefighters also responded to a brush fire on Ayers Mountain, where access was difficult as firefighters could only reach the area on foot.

Billy Eyberse, the emergency management director for the city of Franklin, reported that the Franklin fire had spread to about four acres.

A helicopter equipped with a Bambi bucket was deployed to help put out the flames.

Shortly after fighting the Franklin fire, another brush fire ignited in Voluntown, affecting approximately one to two acres at 512 Beach Pond Road, which was dangerously close to a home.

The fire was contained near the home and no evacuations were necessary.

Air support is on scene and a half-dozen agencies, including Plainfield, Moosup and Jewett City, are assisting in the firefighting effort.

As authorities work to contain these fires, reports of several other fires in Voluntown – particularly on Shetucket Tpke, Wyle School Road, James Road and Rockville Road – have emerged, prompting plans for aerial water drops.

The public is advised to avoid these areas and a no-fly zone has been established to assist with firefighting.

A VERY HIGH to EXTREMELY high fire risk remains in Connecticut as no rainfall is forecast to improve conditions over the coming week.

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