FRANKLIN COUNTY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The outdoor fire ban has been adopted by many local towns during this dry spell that has been the impetus for many fires recently. The Warwick, Greenfield, and South Deerfield Fire Departments are imposing a ban on ALL outdoor fires, including fire pits, chiminea, outdoor fire places, and cooking and heating equipment.
Governor Healey and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts’ Board of Directors have recommended imposing outdoor fire bans at least through Friday, November 8th.
According to a statement from the Department of Fire Services, as of Sunday night, “87 brush and wildland fires had been reported in the preceding seven days, burning about 483 acres. This tally includes four new fires reported in the previous 24 hours.”
“Citing that ongoing danger to firefighters and residents, the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts yesterday recommended that all local fire chiefs deny any fire-related permit requests and collaborate with local officials to prohibit any recreational fire activity. Fire Chiefs have the authority to prohibit the use of open flames and other ignition sources in hazardous conditions under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.”