Dry conditions have fire crews remaining busy across CT with the ongoing brush fire threat. Yesterday, Connecticut Army National Guard helicopters responded to the ongoing 100+ acre brush fire in Berlin, CT, near Lamentation Mountain. The scene is unlike anything typically seen in the state, as one UH-60 Blackhawk, one CH-47 Chinook, and 14 aircrew members worked tirelessly to suppress the flames. Using water from nearby Silver Lake, they dumped thousands of gallons onto the fire in an effort to slow its spread. This fire also tragically claimed the life of firefighter Robert “Sharky” Sharkevich Sr (66) of Wethersfield when his UTV rolled over on rough/steep terrain Tuesday. 3 other FFs also were injured.
Dan Butler Photo
Despite a few light sprinkles overnight, conditions remain critical. Sunny skies and breezy winds are expected to reignite fire concerns later today, and concerns linger through the weekend as well.
This persistent fall fire threat is a reminder of the extreme dryness affecting Connecticut, and how quickly conditions have changed since the deadly flash flooding in August. Local climate stations are recording a historic lack of rainfall. In Danbury, for example, this October is on pace to be the driest month since records began in 1939. Additionally, Bridgeport is seeing its second driest month ever, with only June 1949 seeing registering lower precipitation totals.
Over the last week our meteorologists have had several conversations with local fire departments and OEMs. Residents are urged to continue to follow fire safety measures and are reminded that absolutely no open burning as allowed, even with a valid permit.
A big thank you for Dan Butler for sharing these photos with us.
Dan Butler Photo
