(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he has declared a state of emergency due to critical fire conditions throughout Connecticut, as well as the ongoing response to the Lamentation Mountain wildfires in Berlin and Meriden, which is commonly referred to as the Hawthorne Fire.

“Over the past two months, Connecticut has experienced extremely dry conditions and a lack of rain, which has increased the threat of fire and sparked several fires across the state,” That’s what Governor Lamont said. “The filing of this declaration will help provide state and local emergency management officials with the necessary tools to monitor and mitigate the threat of potential fires, respond to active fires, and respond to any new fires that may occur. We strongly urge all Connecticut residents to avoid any form of outdoor burning as current conditions pose a high risk of fire hazard.

As of Friday afternoon, October 25, 2024, no rain is forecast in Connecticut for the next seven to 10 days. Over the past week, the National Weather Service has issued several advisories regarding fire conditions in the state, most notably a Red Flag Warning, which indicates that critical fire conditions are expected or developing.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s declaration of a civil preparedness emergency due to critical fire conditions