Recent warm weather and no rain has resulted in extremely dry conditions throughout Massachusetts and a high risk of brush fires,
With 47 active brush fires reported statewide, including 18 in the past 24 hours, Wellesley Fire officials and local leaders are urging residents to use extra caution with open flames and other outdoor heat sources.
Common causes of brush fires include overheated power equipment, improperly disposed of fireplace, fire pit, or outdoor stove ashes, and outdoor heating or cooking. Dry leaves, dead vegetation, and other fuels can easily ignite from even one small spark.
“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 or patio, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
Small brush fires could easily spread to or from residential areas. Please monitor fire conditions closely and make sure you've signed up for emergency alerts from the Wellesley Police Department.
More outdoor fire safety tips are available on the MA Department of Fire Services’ website.