Any fire that starts in North Haven this afternoon could spread quickly, the National Weather Service says, with dry leaves and brush, gusty winds and low humidity across the region.
In a special weather statement issued at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, the National Weather Service office in Upton, N.Y., said dry fuels, gusty northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph and minimum relative humidity near 40 percent will lead to an elevated risk of fire spread across southern Connecticut during the late morning and afternoon. The statement is in effect until 7 p.m.
It covers all of New Haven County, including North Haven, along with Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties.
Friday morning’s statement follows one the weather service issued Thursday afternoon, which called for northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph. The newer forecast raises the expected gusts to 25 to 35 mph.
What forecasters are asking
The weather service’s advice is short:
- Use extra caution with anything that could start a fire, such as machinery or matches.
- Make sure cigarette butts are fully put out and disposed of properly.
- Keep in mind that any fire that does start could spread quickly.
Forecasters said the statement considers weather, fuel and land conditions and was developed in coordination with state fire and land management officials. The statement is a caution about conditions, not a report of any fire.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection posts the daily forest fire danger rating and wildfire prevention information on its fire danger, weather and reporting page.
Get North Haven news first: subscribe to the North Haven Courier newsletter.
Have a tip? Email news@northhavencourier.com
