By James Kent
Dry weather, high winds, and leaves on the ground are three conditions that pose the greatest threat of wildfires here in Vermont.
Over the weekend, two incidents locally illustrated the dangers of wildfires in such conditions to spread rapidly.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, a brush fire in Ludlow burned through 16 acres, requiring 15 area fire departments to contain it. The wind played a factor in the fast spread.
Then on Sunday, Oct. 27, a forest fire was reported on Morgan Hill Road in Barnard. By the time fire crews arrived, it had grown to be large forest fire. Two camps were destroyed.
Due to the dry conditions (the average rainfall in Vermont for October is 4.54”, but only 1.44” has fallen) and these recent incidents of fire, the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks, and Recreation has issued an order for all of the state’s forest fire wardens to cease issuing burning permits from Oct. 28 through Nov. 11. This order can be revoked if conditions warrant.
The Barnard fire is thought to have began on the exterior of the building. The cause: improper disposal of ashes from a wood stove, according to preliminary investigations. The fire spread to the surrounding woods and was still being fought by the Barnard Fire Dept., along with mutual aid at press time Tuesday.
Richard Keating, one of the camp owners in Barnard, suffered non-life-threatening injuries associated with this fire. The fire destroyed the camp and its contents.
Anyone with information about local fires is asked to call the police at 802-878-7111.
