‘New normal’: Official warns wildfires will become common as Hawthorne Fire continues to burn

Officials at the scene of the Hawthorne fire provided an update on their work as of Wednesday afternoon. Watch in the video above.

BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) — Firefighters continue to battle a fire in Hawthorne that has been burning for more than a week.

During a press conference Wednesday at noon, Josh Cingranelli of the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said this type of large wildfire appears to be unique to Connecticut, but it will soon become commonplace.

“Events like this are going to happen more frequently, and it’s all a result of climate change,” he said.

The Hawthorne fire in Berlin has been burning for more than a week

Cingranelli said light rain Tuesday night “didn’t help” in extinguishing the fire as dry conditions and warm temperatures persisted.

Ryan Hughes, chief of operations at the scene, said crews are now in the “clean-up” phase of their response as they spray water on hot spots to make sure they don’t become a problem in the future.

Every morning they also clear the hand lines, which are designed to prevent the spread of fire. Oak leaf litter complicated the process, Hughes said.

The state of Connecticut has declared a state of emergency due to weather conditions related to the fire.

Berlin Fire Chief Johnn Massirio said state, out-of-state and national resources are being used as more fires occur in Connecticut. Officials remind everyone that statewide burning ban is still in effect and prohibits lighting fires outdoors until it rains.

Department of Energy and Environment officials said Wednesday there were approximately 70 to 80 fires being monitored across the state.

According to Massirio, the fire caused a major forest fire in Berlin. He said it seemed more “casual” than malicious.

Funeral of fallen firefighter in Wethersfield

Authorities continue to stress the need for the public to stay away from the area and the air as they continue to battle the fire.

A Wethersfield firefighter dies last week after a UTV overturned near the scene. Meriden police identified the firefighter as 66-year-old Robert Szarkewicz. He was well known and liked by his peers, officials said.

Connecticut will receive federal aid in response to the Hawthorne Fire. FEMA said it would cover 75% of emergency costs, including the use of aircrews to release water.

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