Fire danger has increased across the state as a large wildfire burns in Connecticut

AMHERST – As emergency crews continued to battle a brush fire in central Connecticut that contributed to the death of a firefighter on Monday, the National Weather Service issued a statement Wednesday morning saying there is “elevated fire weather concern” in Massachusetts .

Dry conditions have raised concerns about possible wildfires across the region, from southern Vermont to northern Rhode Island, and authorities say they are taking proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.

On Wednesday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered U.S. and state flags there to be flown to half-mast in honor of Robert Sharkevich Sr., a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department who died after his utility vehicle rolled over him lower rode on the trap rock ridge known as Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, Connecticut. He was 66.

Firefighters have been attacking the 87-acre fire by scraping vegetation to create “hand lines,” and two helicopters provided by the Connecticut National Guard began extinguishing the fire using lake water on Wednesday afternoon, the New Haven Register reported. The fire is approximately 75% contained.

In western Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is working to prevent and combat wildfires. David Celino, chief fire marshal for the state DCR, reported: “There are currently two fires still active in Massachusetts.”

“The 2024 Wolcott Hill Fire in the Blue Hills Reservation includes 2 acres of actively burning interior space and is considered 70% contained,” Celino said of the Milton fire.

Additionally, Celino said, “The Fort Devens fire, estimated at 96 acres and actively burning in the impact area, is in watch status and may require action if the fire leaves the impact area.”

A special weather statement from the National Weather Service Wednesday evening said: “The combination of recent dry weather, gusty winds up to 30 miles per hour and low relative humidity of 35 to 55 percent is creating favorable conditions for wildfire spread throughout Thursday.” most of Massachusetts.”

DCR helps communities detect, suppress and prevent wildfires. During times of high fire danger, such as the current one, the DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry prioritizes this assistance by staffing existing fire towers and devoting resources to fire suppression.

Currently, 42 fire stations across the state, including those in Pelham, Ludlow, Goshen and Sunderland, are staffed to detect new fires early.

Captain Drew Piemonte of the Springfield Fire Department warned that there is an increased risk of wildfires in western Massachusetts due to the ongoing drought. With minimal rainfall this month, the region is experiencing drought-like conditions, which have led to greater concerns about wildfires.

To mitigate potential wildfires, Piemonte emphasized that no outdoor burning is allowed in the Springfield area. He emphasized that drought can contribute to wildfires, citing dry, hot and windy weather combined with flammable vegetation.

“The combination of these factors increases the likelihood of large-scale wildfires,” Piemonte said.

Piemonte urged residents to be vigilant in avoiding smoke and fire hazards. Safety measures include banning outdoor burning, monitoring weather conditions, clearing dry vegetation and reporting concerns immediately. Residents can also take proactive measures to prevent bushfires, such as monitoring local weather forecasts, removing dry leaves and debris, disposing of cigarettes properly and reporting suspicious smoke or fires.

Local fire departments are conducting proactive evacuation, inspecting high-risk areas and clearing dry vegetation. These efforts help identify potential fire hazards.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation. This allows for quick response and coordination.

Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi echoed Piemonte’s warnings and emphasized proper disposal of leaves and perishable materials. “Residents are having to rake up leaves and dry vegetation from their homes,” Calvi said.

Calvi also reminded residents that open burning is prohibited in Massachusetts, including Springfield. He cited a recent incident where someone almost burnt down his hall due to illegal burning.