The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued a red flag warning, urging residents to avoid open burning over the next few days.

DEEP says a red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will soon. Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish.

During the early spring, dry conditions, higher winds and a lack of green vegetation lead to conditions that will cause fires to spread quickly. 

The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control says several communities have had large brush fires recently, adding that trend is expected to continue. The commission is reminding residents to avoid open burning. 

DEEP has a forest fire danger index, which is defined by moisture, wind and other factors. Open burning is prohibited when the index is high, very high or extreme. 

To access the index, click here. 

For more information on open burning requirements, click here.