Wildfires

Sunnybrook State Park in Torrington closed because of fire

NBC Connecticut

Sunnybrook State Park in Torrington remains closed because of a fire, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Torrington police said they were called to Newfield Road at about 2 p.m. Crews discovered an underbrush fire in the woods at the state park.

Firefighters were able to contain the spread of fire to 2.8 acres with the assistance of local resources, according to Rich Schenk, the fire control officer for DEEP.

Authorities said they will return in the morning to put out any remaining hot spots.

"With that in mind, please understand there will be spots within the affected area that will continue to smolder and smoke a bit throughout the night, so while we understand the desire to make a phone call about smoke in the area, this is to be expected and is being monitored," the police department said on Facebook.

Firefighters are battling several fires across the state amid dry conditions and a statewide emergency burn ban is in effect.

Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme is also closed because of fire.

The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and parts of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed as well.

Outdoor grills, fire pits, campfires, kindling and use of flame are not allowed in any state parks, forests or other state-owned public lands.

The fire at Sunnybrook State Park is one of 126 brush fires currently burning in the state.

"This by far, with the number of fires is much more than I ever seen in my career," said Schenk.

Torrington police said residents shouldn't hesitate to call if they see an active fire in the area or on their property.

Authorities ask that if you do dispose of ashes to use a metal can with a lid and leave them to cool overnight.

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