The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for this morning, afternoon, and evening. The entire state is under the warning, which will remain in effect until 8 pm.

Southeast New York and northeast New Jersey are also covered by the warning, which went into effect at 10 am.

Northeast winds of 10-20 miles per hour are expected, with gusts up to 35 mph. The highest winds are expected across southern Connecticut. 

Although those winds will not be quite as high as yesterday, relative humidity will drop to ten to 15 percent. That combination “may promote the rapid spread of wildfires if ignition occurs,” according to the National Weather Service-New York office.

A Red Flag Warning means “critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential,” the weather service explained as part of today’s warning.

A concurrent Fire Weather Message, also in effect until 8 pm Thursday, says “critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish. 

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has put the Forest Fire Danger Level for Thursday, April 04, at High. 

Newtown residents are reminded that open burning is not allowed at this time of the year.

Nancy Schreiner, administrative assistant and an open burn official with the Newtown Fire Marshal’s Office, said open burn season runs through the winter and very early spring. Permits are required for the burning of brush only, by homeowners.  

“Burn season closed April 1,” Ms Schreiner said Thursday morning. “Permits are done November through early April.”

Campfires are not banned, she added, but residents should use caution with current weather conditions. 

“Please be wise when you do set one,” Ms Schreiner said. 

For additional information, the Office of the Fire Marshal can be reached at 203-270-4370. The office is within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.