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DERBY-OXFORD — Fire officials in the City of Derby and the Town of Oxford sent messages on Friday (Nov. 1) warning people about the severe fire threat throughout all of Connecticut.
No one should be using flames for anything outside due to the dry conditions that have already allowed brush fires to ignite all over the state. Some 50 brush fires have already been reported. In addition to no rain — and none is forecasted — gusty winds have made the situation even more dangerous.
The list of things not to do include the use of grills and fire pits. Do not burn branches or any type of yard debris.
“Please do your part in keeping the city safe from any fire dangers,” Derby Fire Marshal David J. Marcarelli said in a prepared statement.
Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency on Oct. 25. Marcarelli’s statement cites the governor’s action and urges Derby residents to be safe.
“The City of Derby’s Fire Marshal’s office, as well as city’s fire department, will be strictly enforcing this ban until the state of emergency is lifted. The extended forecast calls for dry weather and warm temperatures. In addition, windy and breezy weather contributes to the rapid spread of these fires,” Marcarelli said.
The Oxford Fire Department issued a robocall on Nov. 1 warning about the danger.
“There is a ban on all outside fires in the State of Connecticut and the Town of Oxford until we get some substantial rain and the fire danger comes down below moderate,” according to the message.
There has been a brush fire burning in the Naugatuck State Forest for days.
“For those residents that live on Chestnut Tree Hill Road near the reservoir number 4 in the Naugatuck State Forest, there continues to be an active brushfire in the forest. It is contained and burning in the center. Connecticut DEEP is on site and monitoring conditions,” according to the message.
Outside burning is also banned in the Town of Seymour and the City of Ansonia.
