Wildfire Alert-Outside Fire Ban Reminder

ALERT (Wednesday, November 20, 2024): Wildfire smoke is going to be seen and smelled locally today and probably tomorrow, the result of a massive wildfire in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where crews have been working for more than 24 hours.

We have responded to a few calls already today, as have fellow in-town and neighboring town companies, as people are smelling smoke and/or noticing the haze.

Those who are sensitive to air conditions should limit time outdoors.

Great Barrington Fire Department is reporting the fire, “The Butternut Fire,” 55+ miles to our north as the crow flies, had burned approximately 1,100 acres as of midday Wednesday, November 20. Operations continue.

Meanwhile, WE ARE STILL UNDER STATE AND LOCAL BURN BANS.

NO OUTDOOR FIRES. NONE.

If you see something, continue to call 911.

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NO OUTSIDE BURNING IN NEWTOWN

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

At the request of local fire chiefs,Newtown has been under a full outdoor burn ban since October 27. A CodeRED was issued reminding residents that due to current weather conditions — and the calendar, which only allows open outside burning November 1-March 31, when conditions are favorable — there is to be no outdoor burning until further notice.

(Read more here: CodeRED Issued: No Outside Burning)

At the same time, the entire state has been under CT DEEP burn ban on all state property since October 26 and a Stage 2 Drought Advisory since November 9.