Red Flag Warnings for Friday Put Firefighters on Alert – NBC Connecticut

Due to Friday's warning signals, firefighters are on alert. They are already battling dozens of fires across the state, including the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin.

With another warm day and potentially gustier winds ahead, crews are concerned that new fires could start and are making sure firefighters working outside stay hydrated.

“We’re not out of the woods yet. Today’s walk up the mountain still showed many hotspots,” said Chief Jonn Massirio of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.

Winds fueled the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin, which burned 127 acres.

And there were a handful of new fires across the state Thursday, bringing the total to nearly 90.

“One of the fires involved an individual in the town of Ellington who was mulching leaves with his riding lawnmower. This is very common this time of year. The leaves accumulate and end up near an exhaust pipe. And it started a fire. “He wasn’t able to stomp out the leaves fast enough and it ended up being a quarter-acre fire,” said Rich Schenk, DEEP fire marshal.

More teams are on their way to Connecticut to relieve the crews in Berlin.

A group from Quebec will arrive Friday morning and a contingent from California is expected soon.

“It was a long week and a half, which is now long over. It is therefore important to look after the welfare of our crews and ensure that they are rotated. “These teams coming in have special skills,” Massirio said.

The fire remains about 30% contained, but because it burns deep into the roots, it may take a while to fully extinguish.

“We need the additional manpower. We’re in this for the long haul until we get significant rain,” Schenk said.

Emergency services are urging everyone to do their part to prevent new fires by following fire bans and being careful outside.