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RED FLAG WARNINGS ISSUED AGAIN FOR TODAY 5/17/2023

Posted on
May 17, 2023
by
Emergency Management
The National Weather Service has once again issued a Red Flag Warning for all of Southern New England from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM this evening. 

A moderately strong northwest wind gusting to 30 -35 MPH at times today combined with low relative humidity and mostly sunny skies is expected to result in very high fire danger.

Although temperatures are cooler today, winds areforecasttobealittlestronger.The leaves have now come out on most trees, however, no rainfall during the past 8 days has resulted in very dry soils and surface fuels such as high grass, leaves and twigs.

Any grass or brush fires that start today may spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. The most common causes of fire ignition are campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson.

Message From DEEP Forestry: If you have received a permit from your local Open Burning Official to burn brush on your property, the permit is not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is ratedhigh, very high or extremeandyou are burning within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.

Towns are advised to monitor rural areas today for sudden grass or brush fires. Towns are advised to watch rural areas until we receive significant rainfall. The forecast for the next two weeks is for dryer than normal conditions.

DESPP/ DEMHS will also monitor conditions today. This will be the only update for today unless a significant brush or grass fire is reported