[Watersheds] DEM warns Rhode Islanders of extreme fire danger, Sept. 25, 2020

[Panciera, Ernie (DEM)]

[DEM-logo-small]

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 | http://www.dem.ri.gov<http://www.dem.ri.gov> | @RhodeIslandDEM


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                CONTACT: Mike Healey, 401-258-0787
Friday, September 25, 2020                                                          Michael.Healey at dem.ri.gov<mailto:Michael.Healey at dem.ri.gov>

DEM WARNS RHODE ISLANDERS OF EXTREME FIRE DANGER

Nine fewer inches of rain have fallen this year than last. The drought has left abundant fuels that are readily available to burn. A fire started in these conditions is very difficult to control and poses a significant threat to life and property.

[A group of people in uniform  Description automatically generated]PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is warning Rhode Islanders of extreme fire danger as the drought that has gripped the state, and now the New England region, continues
following months of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures.

With nine fewer inches of rain this year than last causing extremely dry conditions, DEM is urging residents to take precautions when using charcoal grills and matches while outdoors, disposing of cigarettes, cutting the grass with gasoline-powered mowers, and doing many other things we often take for granted.

"This drought has produced fire conditions that have left fuels readily available to burn," said Olney Knight, DEM's Forest Fire Program Coordinator. "Once started, fires in these conditions are very difficult to bring under control and pose a significant threat to life and property."

DEM asks residents to consider applying the principles of Firewise home maintenance and landscaping to reduce the risk of fire and exposure to their homes and property. Click here for more information.<http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/forestry/fire-program/homeowners.php>

DEM requires residents to check with their local fire department for information regarding all outdoor burning activities and required permitting if still being issued.

[A screenshot of a cell phone  Description automatically generated]DEM asks residents to use extra caution when:


  *   Throwing lit cigarettes out of car windows - don't be that person
  *   Using charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames while outdoors
  *   Mowing lawns using a gasoline-powered engine - don't overfill the gas tank and risk a spill
  *   Cutting or fabricating metal
  *   Using gas-powered equipment - make sure that spark arrestors have been installed
  *   Parking in tall grass - don't do it
  *   Securing towing safety chains and dragging parts
  *   Using electrical equipment like extension cords - make sure they're in good working condition and rated for the application

For information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov<http://www.dem.ri.gov/>. Follow us on Facebook at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!eOkF3QllJHjzWonWL3jsYw7adxCKIpoGGA_k0cGNtgnAPKRpdCaySHIZiCUug4uzmwQf_9qc$ [facebook[.]com]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!eOkF3QllJHjzWonWL3jsYw7adxCKIpoGGA_k0cGNtgnAPKRpdCaySHIZiCUug4uzmwQf_9qc$ [facebook[.]com]> or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

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CAPTION TO PICTURE ABOVE: DEM firefighters Olney Knight and Greg Rathbun at a prescribed burn in Charlestown in 2018.

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