Governor Lamont declares a state of emergency due to critical fire weather conditions across the state

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he has declared a state of emergency in Berlin and Meriden due to critical fire weather conditions throughout Connecticut as well as the ongoing response to the Lamentation Mountain brush fire commonly referred to as the Hawthorne Fire.

“Over the past two months, Connecticut has experienced extreme drought and lack of rain, which has increased the fire danger and resulted in multiple fires throughout the state.” said Governor Lamont. “Filing this declaration will help provide state and local emergency management officials with the necessary tools to monitor and limit the threat of potential fires, respond to active fires, and respond to any additional fires that may arise.” . “We urge all Connecticut residents to avoid any type of outdoor burning as current conditions pose a high fire risk.”

As of Friday afternoon, October 25, 2024, no rain is forecast in Connecticut for at least the next 7 to 10 days. Over the past week, the National Weather Service has issued several warnings about fire conditions in the state, particularly a red flag warning indicating that critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring.

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