HAWLEY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — 518 fires have burned over 1,500 acres in Massachusetts since October 1st and restrictions on outdoor fires have been extended until at least Friday, November 22nd as the dry spell continues. Almost all of these fire have started with human activity.
On Thursday, Hawley firefighters reported to a Hunt Road residence for an outdoor fire that was extinguished before it could spread. A bonfire was reported Thursday evening on Farley Road in Wendell at 7:12 p.m.
Charlemont Fire Chief Dennis Annear recommended the following fire prevention strategies during this period of severe fire risk:
- Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.
- 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. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can 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.
“The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” said Chief Annear “If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community.”