WEST HAVEN, Conn. — West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer has issued an emergency declaration, implementing a “burn ban prohibiting the use of all outdoor firepits, campfires or the kindling use of any flame out of doors until further notice,” according to a release from the city Thursday.
After informing residents that no significant rainfall is expected for the next two weeks, the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, as well as its three fire departments, issued a joint warning regarding the continued elevated fire risk.
Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana and the chiefs of the West Haven, West Shore and City of West Haven Allingtown fire departments collaborated to create a mutual response plan they will act on if a brush fire does occur.
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According to the release, Borer issued the burn ban to safeguard the public and bolster the awareness of residents.
“This small bit of rain we recently received does not provide for a relief from threat,” Borer said. “With high winds expected, unusual warm weather and little precipitation, risk of fires continues to be a great threat. Please continue to work with us over the new few weeks and abide by the state and city restrictions in order to protect life and property.”
Fontana offered several tips to avoid accidentally starting a fire outdoors.
He said residents should not operate vehicles off-road in brush or high grass, as the hot exhaust system can ignite the grass or brush.
Also, everyone should steer clear of bonfires, firepits or open flame activity.
Fontana also says that residents should avoid discarding or burning any items outdoors. He said that hot embers, cigarettes and matches can ignite dry grass or brush.
Additionally, faulty brakes or dragging metal under or behind a vehicle can send sparks into roadside grass, Fontana said.
Borer’s emergency declaration can be read in full here.
The release notes that West Haven has secured a grant for smoke detectors. Beginning next week, residents can call their local West Haven fire department to schedule an installation. The new smoke detectors are free and available while supplies last.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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