Firefighters in Massachusetts are battling severe forest fires, with officials urging residents to take necessary precautions to prevent further incidents. Over the past week, hundreds of hectares in the Boston area have burned, with new fires emerging in the western and central regions of the state.
Typically, Massachusetts reports an average of fifteen wildfires each October; however, this year has seen approximately 200 incidents, marking an increase of about 1,200% compared to the average. Preliminary data indicates that around 100 fires have been reported in the last week of October, all attributed to human activity. The fires have significantly impacted local communities, leading to the cancellation of school classes and Halloween events.
On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a 'red flag' warning for much of eastern Massachusetts, indicating a high risk of fire due to dry and hot weather conditions. Fire officials have reminded the public that open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round.
Residents are advised to refrain from outdoor cooking and heating, and to be cautious with electrical equipment, as engines can ignite dry leaves and grass. Officials also warned against disposing of cigarette butts or matches improperly, as these can easily start fires in dry vegetation.
A man from Boston was arrested on Saturday for allegedly starting a wildfire in Milford, approximately 40 miles west of Boston. He faces charges related to damaging land, trees, and crops.
According to Chief Fire Marshal David Celino, more than a quarter of this year's wildfires occurred in October, which alone is responsible for over half of the 469 hectares burned this year. 'The weather conditions and dry surface fuels that have contributed to these rapidly progressing fires are expected to continue in the coming days,' Celino stated. 'Any outdoor fire will grow quickly, become difficult to contain, and require numerous fire resources.'
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine noted that about 45% of homes in Massachusetts are located in or near wooded areas that are susceptible to brush and wildfires. Many of these fires have originated from activities around homes, such as outdoor cooking and the use of electric equipment.