Parts of Connecticut will see an elevated risk of wildfires this weekend, according to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

DEEP is warning Connecticut residents and visitors of a higher risk of wildfires in eastern Connecticut on Friday and in the south-central parts of the state throughout the weekend.

Due to ongoing drought conditions, forest fire danger levels are elevated from “high” to “extreme” throughout the state and are expected to remain that way until there is significant rainfall, DEEP said in a statement Friday.

“As always, Connecticut residents and visitors alike need to take precautions to prevent forest fires,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This is especially true right now as we are expecting very dry conditions with reduced relative humidity to continue throughout the state over the next few days. If you are enjoying the outdoors at a state park or forest, always limit your campfires to the stone or metal rings provided and be sure your fire is doused thoroughly when done.”

According to DEEP, the department’s Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut’s 1.8 million acres of forested land. So far in 2022, 300 acres have burned in Connecticut, said DEEP.

The average number of acres burned per year in Connecticut is about 500, according to the department.

Residents are reminded that open burning permits are not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is rated high, very high of extreme, or if burning is taking place within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.

Anyone who spots a forest fire is asked to call 911 immediately.

DEEP issued a list of tips to help prevent forest fires while the danger is elevated, including making a fire-safe zone around your house and cleaning flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings.

DEEP also suggests pruning away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire-safe zone because evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly, removing any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney, regularly removing leaves and needles from gutters, don’t store firewood in the fire-safe zone, using fire-resistant roofing materials and making sure firefighters can find and access your home.

DEEP suggests people mark their houses and roads clearly and prune away limbs and trees along their driveway which do not allow fire truck access and have an escape plan and practice it.

Residents and visitors are also asked to follow state and local open burning laws, stay with outside fires until they are completely safe and to dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.

DEEP also asked that people in Connecticut’s parks, forests, and open spaces, use fires with caution and follow the following recommendations: