Smoke from the ongoing wildfire near Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, MA, continued to shroud parts of Western Connecticut this afternoon, creating a hazy scene across the region. This was the view captured from Federal Road in Brookfield earlier today by Andy Paproski.
Federal Road in Brookfield
The fire, which has prompted the ski resort to deploy its snowmaking equipment to help wet down the surrounding area, has caused noticeable air quality impacts as winds out of the northeast carry the smoke into Connecticut. Residents in affected areas have reported reduced visibility and a persistent smoky smell. Sensitive groups were impacted by poorer than anticipated air quality, and some districts canceled outdoor recess due to air quality concerns.
Fire as seen near Ski Butternut – Credit Zilla Cannamela
The good news: an impending storm is expected to deliver 1 to 2 inches of rain to the entire region, with the heaviest amounts arriving Thursday morning. Showers should continue on and off through Friday, providing a much-needed soaking for an area that has been grappling with dry conditions. The combination of steady rain and shifting winds should help dissipate the smoke, improve air quality, and aid firefighters battling the blaze. As a more pleasant weekend looms, I think I speak for many in saying I am looking forward to a lower fire danger.
