Fire Chief Jay Dowling announced last Tuesday that the outdoor fire ban has been lifted due to improving conditions that have lowered the risk for fire spread significantly.
With this development, outdoor fire pits, chimineas, and fire places can be used. This comes after heavy rainfall ended weeks of drought that sparked hundreds of acres of blazes throughout the state.
According to Chief Dowling, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, almost all the brush fires started are due to human activity, underscoring how urgent the outdoor fire ban was to lessen any potential devastation.
As the season moves towards cooler temperatures, relatively higher humidity, and more precipitation, the threat of extremely fast spreading fires like those seen these past few months has subsided.
However Chief Dowling, emphasizes that this does not mean there is no remaining danger, something he says is important to remember for those utilizing the rescinded ban.
“If there’s a warm spell and it doesn’t rain for a long time, it could pop again because there could be leaves that aren’t burnt yet,” he said. “It’s never over, but hopefully it stays cooler, and if there’s more rain in the forecast this week that will definitely help.”
With this in mind, being vigilant and practicing caution should be the number one priority as residents start practicing outdoor fires.
Additionally, residents can apply for a permit at any fire station to do an open burn starting January 15 and running through May 1. Those who want to conduct an open burn should first read up on all the safety measures listed on the state’s “Open Burning Safety” website.
