By Tom Worthley
Once again in today’s weather forecast, no significant precipitation is anticipated for the next week or so. Warm temperatures and breezy conditions will prevail. We have experienced such conditions before and we tend to go about our daily activities without giving it much thought. Notable now, however, as opposed to other times of year is that it is autumn, dry leaves have fallen, and we are all surrounded by a vast array of combustible material.
Satellite imagery tells us that about 75% of the land area of Connecticut is under a tree canopy of some sort. Trees and forests are the natural vegetative cover for our part of the world, so we all live “in the woods” to some degree. Most of the time conditions are humid and damp enough amongst the trees and woodlands that fire is only an occasional concern. Our local fire companies and departments and state fire control officials do a good job of protecting us. But this season is unusual, every part of the forest is dry. And combustible material, not just leaves, but larger material also, is widespread. There have been a large number of small brush fires, a few larger ones and the collective capacity of our fire protection infrastructure is being strained.
An outdoor burning ban has been implemented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). No campfires, grills or open flames are currently permitted on state forests and parks and many localities have followed suit. But public lands constitute only a fraction of the wooded area of the state. Each of us needs to elevate our personal awareness about the risks of fire, how to protect ourselves and how to avoid an accidental ignition.
Most folks are conscious of the obvious open-fire potential ignition sources such as gas and charcoal grills, wood stoves, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, smoking materials (of all types), flame-weeders, etc. A heightened awareness, however, will reveal some less obvious sources of heat and sparks. Some everyday activities such as the operation of certain tools and small equipment generally are low-risk for fire this time of year, as dampness generally permeates leaves, grass and brush. But under conditions such we currently have anything that might make a spark can be a potential danger. Metal-working tools like drills and grinders can generate sparks, for example. Accidentally dropping a heavy steel item onto stone can create a spark. Equipment with small motors (dirt bikes, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, ATVs, etc.) if not equipped with a spark arrestor can be dangerous. Most modern chain saws are equipped with spark arrestors by law, but older ones might not be so equipped (look for a small-mesh screen at the exhaust outlet.) A moment to consider heat and spark potential and surrounding combustible material can avoid a potential tragedy.
People that live in high fire-prone areas, such as in some western states learn to create a “defensible space” around their home and outbuildings. This includes the removal of dead trees, limbs, and shrubs, keeping grass short and the removal of fallen leaves and other combustible debris for a 20 to 30-foot radius around structures. Raking fallen leaves away from the house and garage is a good idea, even if they can’t all be disposed-of at once. Wooden ladders, unused lumber, posts and poles can all be sources of flame transfer to a building if left leaning against the wall. Fuel cans, spray-paint containers, propane tanks, cooking and motor oil, and various other combustible liquids need to be stored in secure locations.
Historically, relatively frequent low-intensity fires were a common occurrence in the upland forests. The forests will tolerate small brush fires, adapt readily and be okay, for the most part. But modern Connecticut finds more people living in close proximity to the woods than ever before, and the potential danger is to homes and structures and risk of injury. So create your “defensible space” and help a family member or neighbor with theirs. A bit of awareness, preparation and common sense will benefit us all.
For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/forest-fire/fire-prevention-and-control