Oct. 26 — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on Saturday issued a statewide ban on open flames and barbecues in all state parks and forests because of a prolonged drought that has raised concerns about more wildfires.

The ban comes after Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency Friday because of a series of brush fires that have ignited across the state over the past week. The state remains exposed to extreme fire risk due to lack of rains.

Brush fires were reported Saturday on Beach Pond Road in Voluntown and in the Mount Ayers area of ​​Franklin. The Franklin fire, reported at 6 a.m., led to the temporary closure of a portion of Route 207 as crews from several towns went into a wooded area to battle the blaze.

Franklin Emergency Management Director Bill Eyeberse said the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security helped the fight by sending a helicopter to drop water on steep areas that firefighters could access on foot.

The helicopter and firefighter work helped put out the fire at 4 to 6 acres, Eyeberse said. The fire was reported to have been contained since 11:00. DEEP crews continued to monitor the area through Saturday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The burn ban issued Saturday prohibits the use of outdoor grills, fire pits, campfires and the use of open flames in all state parks, forests and wildlife management areas.

In a statement, DEEP said the burn ban is part of an effort to prevent new fires and as a proactive measure to avoid overstretching available firefighting resources during the dry season.

“These conditions pose a real and immediate threat to Connecticut communities. We need every resident and visitor to understand that their actions directly impact the safety of their neighbors, firefighters and natural areas,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement. “Taking this step today could save lives.”

Firefighters continued to work Saturday to put out a wildfire that has consumed more than 100 acres on Berlin’s Lamentation Mountain over the past week, with fire officials saying an improperly extinguished campfire likely caused the blaze. Veteran Wethersfield firefighter Robert E. Sharkevich Sr., 66, a married father of four, died this week when a utility vehicle rolled over on top of him on steep terrain while battling a wildfire in the Mt. Lamentation.

All statewide open burning permits are also suspended until further notice. .

For more information on wildfire danger and wildland fire prevention, visit the wildland fire prevention page on the DEEP website or contact the DEEP Fire Danger Hotline at 860-424-3929. For more information on today’s fire danger level, which is very high, go here: Wildfire Danger Report.

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To reduce fire risks, the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection requires the following safety measures:

Fires on public land are prohibited: Do not use campfires, grills or any other open flame. Again, the ban announced today prohibits the use of outdoor grills, bonfires and campfires, and the lighting and use of outdoor flames in all state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. This prohibition includes smoking and the use of lighters outdoors.

Extinguish smoking materials properly: Make sure all cigarettes and similar items are completely extinguished before disposal.

Avoid equipment that can start fires: Avoid using ATVs, chain saws, or other equipment in dry areas.

If you see a fire, call 911 immediately and give the location of emergency dispatch. Timely reporting is essential to contain fires before they spread further.