Department of Environmental Management lifts outdoor fire ban after heavy rainfall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management lifted its outdoor fire ban on Tuesday, after heavy rainfall last week.

The ban went into effect for state campgrounds, parks, and management areas on Aug. 19, after worsening drought conditions and risk of forest fires in the state.

“Although weather conditions always are dynamic, Rhode Island currently is in low fire danger and DEM does not anticipate increased fire potential in the next week based on the
current forecast,” said principal forest ranger Ben Arnold.

While recent storms have reduced the number and risk of wildfires, the department said it might need to implement another ban if conditions worsen.

The department said the state has experienced 76 wildfires, with 44.3 acres of land burned.