Firefighters in Massachusetts are currently engaged in a challenging battle against persistent brush fires that have been spreading across the state. Residents are being urged to take necessary precautions to prevent the ignition of new blazes.
Over the past week, hundreds of acres of land in the greater Boston area have been consumed by fires, with additional outbreaks reported in the western and central regions of Massachusetts. The state has experienced a significant surge in wildland fires this October, with approximately 200 fires recorded, marking a staggering 1,200% increase over the monthly average.
Disturbingly, all the fires reported in the last seven days of the month were attributed to human activity, according to fire officials. This alarming trend has led to the cancellation of school classes and Halloween events in some communities.
The National Weather Service issued a “red flag” warning for eastern Massachusetts on Friday due to the high fire risk posed by the dry and warm weather conditions prevailing in the region. Residents have been reminded that open burning is prohibited statewide until January and in many communities year-round.
Authorities have advised against outdoor cooking, heating, and the use of power equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, which can inadvertently spark fires. Additionally, residents are cautioned against discarding cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials in dry vegetation or debris.
Recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the situation, with a Boston man arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire in Milford. Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation emphasized that more than a quarter of this year's brush and wildland fires occurred in October alone, accounting for over half of the total acreage burned.
Chief Celino warned that the current weather conditions and dry fuels are conducive to rapid fire spread, making containment efforts challenging and resource-intensive. State Fire Marshal Jon Davine highlighted that approximately 45% of Massachusetts homes are situated in or near wooded areas at risk of fires, many of which originate from activities around residential properties.
