Firefighters are in “mop-up operations” for an active brush fire that closed Rocky Neck State Park on Saturday in East Lyme, as crew continue to douse blazes across the state, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“Rocky Neck State Park was evacuated (Saturday) with the assistance of DEEP EnCon Police, and signs are posted at outer access points to ensure public safety. Successful operations yesterday, including strategic burn-out efforts in an area of approximately 44 acres,” said James Fowler, senior advisor on outreach and engagement for the DEEP.
DEEP added that “resources are currently engaged in mop-up activities today, and progress is going well. Crews plan to work until dark and to return tomorrow to monitor and continue with mop-up operations,”
According to Old Lyme Fire Department communications, both Old Lyme fire departments remain on scene.
A 20-person crew from California, known as the “Hotshots” is assisting at Rocky Neck State Park after being reassigned from their previous work on the Hawthorne Fire,” according to Fowler.
The fire started shortly after 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the state parks hiking trails. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The park remains closed to the public until further notice.
This is one of 97 brush fires (as of 10 a.m. Sunday morning) across the state that the DEEP is monitoring in different phases of response.
CT has had 70 fires and is just short of a drought. Why is this happening?
“Today, the Forest Fire Danger Level across Connecticut remains at Extreme for all counties. Connecticut is experiencing one of the driest fall seasons on record, with minimal rainfall since August. The dry foliage and windy conditions significantly increase the potential for fire spread. DEEP is closely monitoring these conditions to protect the state’s 1.8 million acres of forested land,” according to DEEP.
There is a statewide burn ban across all of the state’s parks, forests and wildlife management areas. This ban prohibits any open flames, including campfires, grills, and fire pits. Additionally, local burn permits are not valid within 100 feet of grasslands or woodlands when the fire danger is high, very high, or extreme, according to the DEEP.
The DEEP says to call 911 if you see smoke or signs of a fire.
