A red flag warning for fire hazard is in effect for the entire state of Connecticut, which means that all issued open-burn permits are invalid until further notice, and outdoor fires in general are discouraged.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by the National Weather Service due to dry conditions and a lack of rain that have created a “very high” or “extreme” risk of fire in much of Connecticut, including Fairfield County.

Several brush fires have been reported this week in the state, the largest on Lamentation Mountain in the town of Berlin, where fire has consumed at least 125 acres and a firefighter died in a utility task vehicle accident.

On Monday, firefighters from Easton and Weston spent several hours extinguishing a rapidly spreading 200 square-foot blaze at Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Easton. On Tuesday, Weston volunteer firefighters put out a smaller brush fire on Wood Hill Road.

Governor Ned Lamont ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags at state buildings and facilities lowered to half-staff following the death of Wethersfield volunteer firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr., who died in the accident in Berlin.

The governor said Mr. Sharkevich’s “selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic.” He encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and other entities to follow suit and lower their flags.

Meanwhile, Eversource is keeping an eye on three high-voltage power lines located about 1½ miles from where the Lamentation Mountain fire is thought to have started. The company is conducting aerial surveys, and says that while no issues have been identified and no power outages are reported, “crews will remain on the ground engaged with emergency officials, respond immediately to problems that may arise, and support local and state public safety partners.”