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    View the statewide fire map

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    Authorities imposed bans on Massachusetts as it faced more than 100 bush fires last week and an increased risk of bushfires.

    More than 120 brush fires have burned about 450 acres in the state over the past seven days, said Jake Wark, public information officer for the state. Massachusetts Fire Departmentaretold USA TODAY.

    The fires occur as weather conditions could cause dry foliage, such as leaves and dead vegetation, to ignite or fuel existing fires.

    “Dry, sunny and windy weather is ideal for recreation, but it also means that any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become very difficult to manage,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said in a press release. “We are seeing preventable fires grow to dangerous proportions and attract many resources, locally and regionally. »

    Communities across Massachusetts are at high risk of wildfires, according to the department. Fires could spread to and from residential areas.

    The state received some light rain Wednesday, but “outdoor fires will continue to spread and grow,” he said.

    Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation banned all open flame and charcoal fires in state parks “to prevent drought-related wildfires.” The is in effect until further notice.

    See the map: Colorado’s Highland Lakes wildfire destroys 1 home, forces evacuation of 700 homes

    Massachusetts wildfire map

    What is the cause of the fires?

    The source of the fires is a combination of human and natural causes, Boston National Weather Service forecaster Caitlyn Mensch told USA TODAY.

    Dry conditions also contribute to bushfires.

    Dry weather expected to persist

    Some areas of the state received between a hundredth of an inch and a quarter of an inch early Wednesday morning, but that amount was not enough to alleviate dry conditions, according to Mensch.

    “It’s a brief moment of relief, but I wouldn’t say it’s going to end the fire concerns in the area,” she said.

    Although there is no red flag warning indicating fire weather conditions, Mensch said the NWS issued a special weather release indicating dry conditions could contribute to the outbreak of fires.

    These conditions could persist in the coming weeks.

    The state is also seeing temperatures above average for the season, Mensch said. Temperatures are generally in the mid to upper 50s, but will be in the low to high 70s on Wednesday. Boston could see temperatures rise to 81 degrees.

    Officials and emergency managers “really want to stay vigilant” Friday as winds pick up in Massachusetts, Mensch said. The state will experience wind gusts around 30 mph, which could help increase the size of a fire.

    Bush fire kills Massachusetts woman

    A small brush fire turned deadly Saturday evening in Millbury, Massachusetts, about 50 miles southwest of Boston, while the state was under a red flag, according to the fire department. It is believed to have come from a settlement.

    Maryann Audette, 49, was found dead at the scene of the fire, reported Telegram and Gazettewhich is part of the USA TODAY network. A GoFundMe was created to help fund his funeral.

    The fire was later put out after Millbury firefighters and police were notified.

    How to prevent a fire

    Authorities are asking residents to avoid certain activities while dry weather persists.

    “Avoid burning outdoors at this time,” Mensch said. “Try to avoid any type of things that could cause a spark, and if you see a fire, report it.”

    The Fire Department also asks residents to:

    • Avoid cooking outdoors.
    • Use caution when using lawn mowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles and other power equipment because their engines can get hot enough to ignite leaves and grass.
    • To dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves, place them in a metal container, sprinkle them with water then cover it with an airtight lid.
    • The fumes must be extinguished in a solid ashtray with water or sand.
    • Do not throwing cigarettes or other smoking materials over a balcony or into dry vegetation or debris. Also avoid putting them out or crushing them on stairs or railings.

    Open burning in Massachusetts is also banned through January, according to the department.

    Contribute : Marco Cartolano Worcester Telegram and Gazette

    Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. You can contact her on LinkedInfollow her X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram And TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]

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