Wildfire Danger - Please Be Careful!

[KB1JHU]

As I am sure many of you are aware, the spring fire season has been pretty active in New England. As a seasonal parks employee of the State of CT DEP, I ask that everyone who visits Connecticut's State Parks & Forests be careful with fire. It doesn't matter if it's a camp fire, cooking fire, or a charcoal grill. They all have the potential to start a wildfire. If you are in a designated picnic area there *should* be areas to properly dispose of hot coals and ashes from a charcoal grill. Please do not dump them on the ground, in trash cans, or dumpsters. If you are not sure where to dump the coals, find a park employee and ask. Always be sure the area around your fire or grill is clear of fuels, particularly things like dry leaves, pine needles, dry grass, and small twigs. Always have someone watching a fire and always have sufficient water and tools to extinguish it.

I know that most of the people on this board are responsible and aware of the danger, but it never hurts to be reminded. Also, pass the word of caution to your family and friends or even the guy at the next picnic site. Memorial Day weekend is less than a month away now. Let’s make it a safe one.

For the current Forest/Wildfire danger in Connecticut, visit the CT DEP’s Forest Fire Danger website.
Forest Fire Prevention Tips
Forest Fire Weather Information
National Fire Danger Rating System - Description of ratings (From State of Maine, good descriptions)

If anyone has anything to add, especially you firefighters out there, please do.