By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) As the drought continues to worsen, Massachusetts has declared a Level 3 Critical Drought. The state has required Greenfield and all other towns to ban all nonessential outdoor watering and water use, effective immediately.
“Unfortunately, one rain event is not going to get us out of this situation and we must tighten our mandatory water-use restrictions,” said Department of Public Works Director Marlo Warner. “We’ve been politely reminding people about restrictions to this point, but given the circumstances, warnings and fines are the next step.”
Greenfield Fire Chief Robert Strahan has also asked residents to be vigilant around fire risks as drought-induced fire potential has also increased. “While the City continues to have enough water to respond to fires and other emergencies, water supplies are well below normal levels and this poses a potential risk to fire protection,” said Chief Strahan. “We’re asking people to be extra vigilant when it comes to any activities that increase the risk of brush and forest fires such as outdoor cooking and discarding smoking materials.”