CONNECTICUT, USA — Spring brush fire season is here.
The time between snowmelt and "green up" is when brush fires occur most often in southern New England. Even in a rainy spring season, they happen. In dry patterns, they can become even more common.
Monday's forest fire danger was high, and it likely will be Tuesday as well.
In an average year, approximately 500 acres of Connecticut woodland are burned by forest fires.
This time of year is when deciduous trees are bare. The sun angle is high, equal to its point in late summer.
Dead leaves and dry brush cover forest floors, and the warm spring sun heats them up. Grasses, branches, and twigs can dry out very quickly after any precipitation in this warmer sun.
There are three important weather factors that lead to elevated fire danger:
- Wind - can dry out fuels and spread any fires
- Dry air - relative humidity generally below 30%
- Precipitation - lack of precipitation exacerbates conditions
Typically, fires that start this time of year burn just the surface leaves and can spread very fast. Generally, they cause little, long-term damage to the forest.
Later in the spring, once new leaves cover the trees and there's more live vegetation, forest fires become less of a concern.
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According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, if you spot a forest fire, remain calm and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department.
Ryan Breton is a meteorologist at FOX61 News. He can be reached at rbreton@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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