The Westport Local Press

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Westport Fire Department: Fire Danger “Extreme” Today; Conditions “not seen since the 1960s”

James Bairaktaris 
Today’s Fire Danger Level: Extreme
Westport Fire Department: When the fire danger is "extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days.

According to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Danger Report, all of Fairfield County is at “extreme” fire danger today. Fire Chief Michael Kronick said, “All fires are potentially serious, but fires under “extreme conditions” start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely.”  

If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw it. Extreme fire danger means fires start and can spread quickly. 

After another month of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, our region, not usually associated with drought, is experiencing near-historic drought conditions not seen since the 1960s. 

“Residents should not be alarmed but take steps now to reduce their water usage,” said Fire Chief Michael Kronick, Emergency Management Director. “You can prepare by being proactive and conscientious of your water usage and be alert of the fire danger.” 

Now is the time to take measures to reduce the impact of the drought conditions, including:

  • Reduce automatic outdoor irrigation

  • Postpone the planting of any new lawns or vegetation

  • Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures

  • Follow any additional conservation requests issued by water suppliers or municipalities

 

  • For more information from the Connecticut Drought Information Center, please click here.

  • Tips on water saving measures can be found on the Department of Public Health’s website here.

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