Red Flag Warning: Understanding Connecticut’s Wildfire Ecology, Forest Health, and Planning for a Changing Future

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Speakers: Chris Renshaw, UConn Fire Chief & Emily Wilson, UConn CLEAR

Bringing together extensive knowledge about wildfire, firefighting, and natural resources in Connecticut, UConn Fire Chief Chris Renshaw discovered overlapping conditions that show how Connecticut could suffer a similar fate to Maui, Hawaii, where a surprise and devastating wildfire caused destruction and loss of life. A new story map and map viewer explain the overlapping conditions of fire ecology, forest health, changing weather, and housing density, and compare them to recent brush fires across the state. During the webinar, Chris and Emily will explain the situation through the story map and discuss what Connecticut fire departments and residents can do. A must attend for land managers, elected officials, and fire service personnel. Find the Wildfire in Connecticut Story Map and the CT Wildland-Urban Interface/Intermix Viewer on the CT Wildland Fire section of CT ECO: https://maps.cteco.uconn.edu/projects/fire/.