More than 25 wild fires flared around Vermont Monday. On Tuesday, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation ordered forest fire wardens throughout the state to cease issuing burning permits for the next two weeks.
The National Weather Service issued "Red Flag" warnings for the entire state Monday, meaning a combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds made conditions prime for wild fires.
"Fires that ignite during these conditions spread rapidly and with high intensity," stated a press release issued by the state Tuesday. "The ban may be revoked or extended based upon weather conditions."
The ban is a cooperative effort between the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation and the Green Mountain National Forest.
"We are seeing fast moving fires burning intensely in difficult terrain and with damage to structures or with structures threatened,” said Vermont Forest Fire Supervisor Lars Lund. “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."
Lund added that the ban supports the efforts of many municipal forest fire wardens, who have stopped issuing local burn permits. He stressed that the order is for two weeks and if significant rain falls anywhere in the state, the order will be revoked by county.