Uptick in Brush Fires in MA

Common Causes Include Power Equipment, Fireplace Ashes, and Heating/Cooking

With 47 active brush fires reported statewide, including 18 in the past 24 hours, local and state officials are urging residents to use extra caution with any open flame or other heat source outdoors.

Representatives from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Department of Conservation & Recreation, Department of Fire Services, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts reminded residents that the ongoing weather conditions make dry leaves, dead vegetation, and other fuels extremely receptive to ignition.

"The dry, sunny, breezy weather is great for recreation, but it also means that any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become very difficult to manage," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "We're seeing preventable fires growing to dangerous sizes and drawing numerous resources, locally and regionally."

Based on the preliminary causes of recent fires, officials are asking residents to:

• Remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round.
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

Weather conditions statewide currently place all Massachusetts communities at elevated risk of brush fires. Many of these fires could spread to or from residential areas. Residents should monitor fire conditions closely and follow instructions from local public safety officials. Ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are enabled on your cell phone. If your community has a local alert system, sign up to receive local warnings.

Find more outdoor fire safety tips on the Department of Fire Services' website.