Berlin, CT, Brush Fire Where Firefighter Killed Still Burning
The News-Times, Danbury, Conn.
(TNS)
Oct. 23—A massive brush fire in Berlin has spread to 125 acres and has resulted in one death and two injuries so far, but it's not the only wildfire that has been burning this week in Connecticut.
Connecticut is in the middle of its fall fire season, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which runs from October through the first snowfall.
The fall fire season is characterized by fallen leaves that are dry but not "cured," DEEP said, and if conditions have been particularly dry, "fires can spread rapidly."
Here's a list of recent woodland fires 1 acre or greater that have been in the media or have been reported to the state's wildland fire reporting system.
Berlin
The Lamentation Mountain brush fire spread to nearby Meriden, and though Berlin firefighters said crews "were successful in boxing in the fire," officials said the blaze grew overnight into Wednesday from 80 to 125 acres.
The fire's spread mainly was to the north and south along ridge lines behind Sea Green Drive and in the south into Meriden, officials said. Officials said there had been no reported damage to homes.
Burlington
Burlington firefighters said Tuesday on Facebook that they were battling two brush fires, one that started Saturday and impacted 7 acres of a 145-acre section of woods that borders Bristol and Farmington, and another "large brush fire" in a wooded area on Covey Road.
"At both locations, there were signs of previous campfire activity," the department said.
As of Tuesday, the larger fire was still smoldering, with "ongoing lack of rain, low relative humidity and warm daytime temperatures" creating barriers to extinguishment.
"Fire crews continue to check the containment area and reinforce the fire line as needed," the fire department said on Facebook.
The cause of both fires was suspected to be campfires.
Hartford
Wethersfield firefighters said Monday they assisted Hartford in battling a brush fire in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
"The fire was deep into the woods," the department said on Facebook. A utility terrain vehicle was used to access the scene and extinguish the fire.
Vernon
Firefighters from Vernon and several neighboring communities battled a 9-acre brush fire on the north side of town Monday, according to a news release from town officials.
The fire was just south of Interstate 84, officials said, noting it was first reported around 2:30 p.m. Monday and declared under control by 5:30 p.m.
Plainville
A fire was reported Saturday at 500 New Britain Ave., under the highway, across from Big Sky Fitness.
The fire was contained Monday, according to the state's reporting system, but a Southington firefighter was transported to a hospital with unknown injuries.
Windham
A fire in the 200 block of Jerusalem Road reported Sunday spread to 6 acres until it was contained a day later.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire was listed as "equipment use."
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