Connecticut Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Connecticut - April 20, 2026

Overview

Connecticut is currently experiencing its traditional spring wildfire season, which typically runs from mid-March until leaf-out in early May. A recent stretch of warm, dry, and breezy weather, combined with a lack of winter snowpack, has left dead vegetation exposed, creating ground conditions highly conducive to fire ignition and rapid spread. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has declared a "High" forest fire risk for southern Fairfield and New Haven counties, while the rest of the state is currently at a "Moderate" risk following recent overnight rainfall.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, local fire departments have actively responded to multiple fast-moving brush fires across the state. At least 31 brush fires have been reported in Connecticut since the start of the year. Firefighters are working to extinguish lingering hot spots from recent blazes while preparing for potential new starts. Local open burning permits are strictly invalidated if the fire danger is rated high, very high, or extreme and burning occurs within 100 feet of grassland or woodland.

Key Fires:

• Burr Pond State Park Fire: Located in Torrington, this 8- to 9-acre brush fire ignited following an explosion near power lines. Because of the immediate threat to public safety, the fire prompted the evacuation and temporary closure of the state park. DEEP fire crews and local firefighters have largely extinguished the blaze, but crews have spent the last 72 hours addressing lingering hot spots.
• East Haddam Fire: Located on Ackley Road, this fire burned approximately 3 to 4 acres. It was primarily fueled by "1-hour fuels," which include dried grasses, deciduous leaves, twigs, and small branches that are highly reactive to the spring sun and dry air.
• Bethel/Newtown Brush Fires: Emergency fire crews battled fast-moving brush fires near the Newtown line earlier this week that temporarily forced the closure of local roads and drew mutual aid crews.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: DEEP is conducting prescribed (controlled) burns across 175 acres in nine state forests and wildlife areas this spring, including the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington and Mansfield Hollow State Park. These operations are designed to reduce available fire fuels, thereby lowering the risk of uncontrolled wildfires in the summer months. They also help maintain rare grassland and pitch pine sand plain forest habitats and limit the spread of invasive plants.
Air Quality: While widespread air quality alerts are not currently active, residents near active brush fires or prescribed burn areas may experience localized smoke. The public may see or smell smoke during controlled burn operations, and warning signs will be posted in affected areas.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent overnight rainfall brought up to a half-inch of rain to parts of Connecticut, which helped lower the brush fire risk to "Moderate" for most of the state. However, southern Fairfield and New Haven counties remain at "High" risk.
Forecasted Weather: Temperatures are expected to remain warm with highs reaching into the 60s and 80s during sunny stretches, and relative humidity values dropping below 50%. While winds have been relatively mild, gusts over 15 mph are possible. Red Flag Warnings are not currently in effect, but dry air continues to draw moisture out of 1-hour fuels, making them highly susceptible to ignition.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents and visitors in parks, forests, and open spaces are urged to use extreme caution with any open flames and follow fire prevention guidelines. Officials advise complying with local open burning laws, properly disposing of hot ashes and charcoal, and fully extinguishing smoking materials. Homeowners are recommended to create a buffer zone around their properties by clearing dead brush.
Resource Allocation: DEEP’s Forestry Division, local fire departments, and mutual aid crews are actively coordinating to manage incidents. Prescribed burns are also serving as vital training opportunities for DEEP’s wildfire firefighters to strengthen coordination and sharpen critical skills for the season.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Connecticut DEEP Forest Fire Danger Report: portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Fire/Forest-Fire-Danger-Report

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.