Brush fire danger remains high in New England Wednesday with another day of high temperatures and no rain in the forecast.
Four separate fires burned in the Georgetown-Rowley State Forest Tuesday, where firefighters were first called in around 5 p.m. After battling the flames for hours crews were pulled out at dark for safety, returning Wednesday morning around 4:15 a.m. As of 8 a.m. the fires were mostly contained. About 10 acres burned overnight.
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Brush fires can be difficult to fight, firefighters say, in part because when flames appear extinguished they may still be burning underground, spreading through tree root systems.
Similar fires could pop up throughout the day Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag warning" for Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut through 6 p.m., meaning there is elevated fire risk in the region. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning or activities - like using a lawnmower or leaf-blower - that could cause sparks to set off a larger fire.
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The public is also urged to be careful with smoking materials and to properly dispose of any coals or ashes by dousing them with water and storing them in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for MA, RI, and CT through 6 pm this evening.
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) November 6, 2024
🔥Please avoid outdoor burning
🔥 Avoid activities that may produce a spark#MAwx #CTwx #RIwx pic.twitter.com/ERxkfTKLZY
In Massachusetts, open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Some towns have taken steps to ban all outdoor burning for the time being.
In Groveland, the fire department has banned all outdoor burning, including in fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment unless it's covered under open burning regulations. Propane grills are still allowed, though fire officials urge caution.
In October there were about 200 wildfires reported, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS). The average is 15. Another 70 have been reported since the start of November. Almost all of them, officials say, were human-caused.
