Dry conditions have prompted state officials to impose a two-week moratorium on burn permits, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
A Red Flag warning was issued for Monday as 25 reports of wildfires were received by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The ban on burn permits goes into effect today and runs through May 19, or until weather conditions improve.
“We are seeing fast moving fires burning intensely in difficult terrain and with damage to structures or with structures threatened,” Lars Lund, Vermont’s forest fire supervisor, said in a statement. “Downed power lines caused the largest fire yesterday in Brattleboro due to high winds. While this type of fire can’t be avoided, human caused fires can be prevented. Because of the warm weather, we know there are a lot of people in the woods. Today’s order will help us and help the state’s fire wardens reduce the sources of fires.”
