The wildfire smoke that dimmed Greenwich skies earlier this week has cleared, but the conditions underneath it have not. Fairfield County remains under a Stage 2 drought advisory, and state officials say the dry spell is raising brush fire danger across the region.
A yellow-gray haze from wildfires in southern Ontario settled over town on Wednesday, July 15, pushing fine-particulate pollution to unhealthy levels through Thursday, July 16. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued a statewide air-quality alert for both days, with Fairfield County readings reaching the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" to "Unhealthy" range. DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said on July 15 that the smoke, combined with higher temperatures, presented "significant risk to our most vulnerable residents."
That alert has expired. The drought has not.
The state's Stage 2 advisory cites below-normal precipitation, low streamflow, reduced groundwater and reservoir levels, and increased wildfire danger. Connecticut recorded about 256 wildfires in 2025, most caused by uncontrolled debris burning and campfires, according to DEEP. In neighboring New York, forest rangers extinguished 65 wildfires covering more than 215 acres during the first half of 2026.
Watering restrictions in effect
Aquarion Water Company's annual conservation watering schedule is in effect, and the utility is urging Greenwich customers to comply closely as rainfall deficits strain local supplies. The rules:
- Even-numbered addresses: sprinklers allowed Sundays and Wednesdays
- Odd-numbered addresses: sprinklers allowed Saturdays and Tuesdays
- No street number: follow the Sunday/Wednesday schedule
- Sprinkler hours: before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. only
- Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering: allowed anytime
Aquarion has imposed tighter temporary restrictions near the North Street bridge by Cotswood Road, limiting irrigation on designated watering days to between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. until further notice.
Brush fire precautions
Greenwich strictly prohibits open burning under town ordinances. That includes brush piles, leaves, grass, and yard debris. The residential brush-burning permit system used in some Connecticut towns does not apply here.
Fire pits, bonfires, and grills are treated separately under town rules. Whether a temporary burn ban is in effect as of Friday, July 17, could not be confirmed; residents should check town emergency notices and DEEP's Forest Fire Danger Report before lighting any outdoor flame.
Prolonged summer drought can dry grass, shrubs, leaf litter, and fallen branches enough to recreate spring wildfire conditions, according to DEEP. The underlying drought that amplifies local fire danger remains active as of July 17, with no announced end date.
Anyone who spots a grass or brush fire should call 911 immediately, move away from smoke and flames, and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
