Forest Fire Update

Please Note: Any further updates will be posted here.

Update 10/28: Forest Fire Update: The fire is about 95% out. There are still several hotspots and there will be a crew working on it again today. Please be cautious of emergency vehicles in the area of Shetucket Tpk and Beach Pond Road

Posted 10/27/24 @8:15 AM

Yesterday was a scary day for many residents in town. We had reports of smoke in multiple areas, but no site of flames. Thanks to the quick response and the use of drone technology and helicopter search, the Voluntown Fire Department and assisting state and local departments were able to locate a single fire in the woods between Shetucket Turnpike and Beach Pond Road.

Thankfully there was a helicopter from Maine in Conecticut with a Bambi Bucket that was able to respond quickly and scoop up water from Beach Pond to dump on the fire.

The fire was controlled and contained to 6 acres of mostly private property.

There will be a lot of activity today with fire vehicles at the scene of yesterday’s brush fire between Shetucket Turnpike and Beach Pond Road (RT 165). The fire is under control, but the windy and dry weather conditions are making the fire difficult to completely extinguish.

Many people have kindly asked where and how to donate food and drinks to the fire crews. Though this is much appreciated and THANK YOU for offering, there is a canteen stationed at the event that provides the crews with what they need.
 
What people can do today (and even until we receive some rain), is adhere to a no-burn warning, and try to avoid doing anything that could create a spark near leaves and dry brush, including dirt bike riding on trails, using power tools that could spark, lighting off fireworks and especially burning yard brush. As Smokey The Bear has warned- All it takes is a smoldering spark to start a forest fire! Also, please avoid the area of the brush fire so that the fire crews can put full attention on keeping the burn controlled. Visit the DEEP website for more forest fire prevention tips: Forest Fire Prevention Tips
 
Lastly, I would like to thank the Voluntown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, the many assisting fire departments, the forest fire crews from DEEP and DEM, and DEMHS for their quick response and dedication to getting this fire extinguished. It really does take a team and ever part of this one has worked quickly and smoothly. THANK YOU!
First Selectman, Tracey Hanson