*** Paul Piorek is editor and publisher of Paul's Local Weather Journal for southwestern Connecticut ... Paul is the on-air meteorologist at WICC 600 AM and 107.3 FM ... Paul is a New York Emmy award winner (2007), five-time Emmy nominee, and four-time winner of the Connecticut Associated Press Broadcasters' Association award for Best TV Weathercast (2006, 2008, 2009, 2012) ... Paul was voted Best Local Television Personality by the readers of Fairfield County Weekly Magazine (2012) ... Paul was inducted into the Housatonic Community College Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Alumni Award (2012) ... The local weather journal is a two-time winner of the Communicator Award of Distinction (2012 & 2013) ... Paul is currently a full-time teacher of Earth Science and Mathematics in Fairfield ... Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulPiorekWICC ...

Friday, April 25, 2014

Brush Fire in Orange Burns About 15 Acres After Red Flag Warning Was Issued

A Red Flag Warning was issued for Connecticut yesterday due to gusty winds and low humidity levels. The threat of brush fires was heightened during the day as winds gusted over 30 to 40 miles an hour. The warning was much-needed, and brush fires were reported in Connecticut and New Jersey.

Firefighters are still on the scene this morning after a brush fire burned about 15 acres in Orange Thursday. Officials say a mulch pile caught fire around 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon. The flames burned near Edison Road. Firefighters say it was hard to get water to the fire because the closest hydrant was 3,000 feet away.

According to officials, it’s not uncommon for brush fires to break out at landscaping businesses. The crews are on the scene today to prevent any more breakouts. The fire serves as a reminder to take all weather-related warnings, watches, and advisories seriously.



Paul