The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced an immediate ban on outdoor flames—including grills, fire pits, and campfires—in all state parks, forests, and wildlife areas. It comes as the state faces severe fire weather and battles ongoing fires. Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency, mobilizing state resources to tackle existing fires and prevent new outbreaks. DEEP warns that extreme fire conditions mean even minor sparks can trigger wildfires, urging everyone to avoid any activities that could ignite fires.