MONTPELIER — The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) on Monday issued an order for all town forest fire wardens to stop issuing burning permits from noon today (Sept. 22) until this order is revoked.

State officials said this order may be revoked on a statewide basis or on a county-by-county basis, depending upon the fire danger and weather conditions.

Abnormally dry summer conditions have persisted throughout Vermont and the Northeast. As the Addison Independent has reported, folks in Addison County have been hurt by the dry conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports 78% of Vermont is experiencing severe drought. Neighboring states are also in similar drought conditions, with 73% of New Hampshire experiencing severe drought, 23% of which is in extreme drought.

“Persistent dry conditions coupled with dry falling leaves create a high risk for rapid fire spread,” said Dan Dillner, Forest Fire Supervisor. “With ground water deficits, fires will burn into the soil, consuming dried organic matter as fuel. These fires require considerable resources to contain and extinguish.”

“Falling leaves are providing abundant dried fuels,” said FPR Commissioner Danielle Fitzko. “Many towns have proactively imposed burning restrictions, and we are working with our local and regional partners to raise awareness and increase preparedness.”

At the same time the Green Mountain National Forest on Monday issued immediate fire restrictions on the national forest in response to ongoing moderate to severe drought conditions in Vermont.

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the prevalence of unattended fires, unfavorable weather conditions and the availability of firefighting resources. The moisture level of forest trees and other vegetation is deceptively low with autumn leaves beginning to fall adding to dry fuels on the forest floor.

While the forest fire restrictions are in place, the following are illegal:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal or wood grill outside of a Forest Service provided metal fire pit, metal fire ring or pole mounted grill at a developed campground or developed recreation site.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

The fire restrictions will remain in place until withdrawn by a termination order issued by the Forest Supervisor. For more information, view the fire restriction order here: nfs.fs2c.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/alerts/fire-restrictions-effect.

If you encounter a wildfire, please dial 911 to report the fire and be prepared to give the location of the fire and other pertinent information to first responders.