NAUGATUCK, CT - During a period of dry and windy weather in April, the Naugatuck Fire Department responded to one open burn event and six uncontained brush and grass fires. One fire, according to officials, damaged a house's corner, while another destroyed two cars and a four-car garage. Three of the fires, including the ones that resulted in property damage, were thought to be started by discarded cigarettes, according to investigators.

One fire is still being investigated, and another was linked to brush burning by a property owner. Residents were cautioned by department officials that burning trash, grass, leaves, or brush is not allowed. Firefighters observed that tiny ignition sources, such as discarded cigarette butts and outdoor burning activities, can quickly spread fires due to dry foliage, low humidity, and windy circumstances.