Carver Fire Department Reminds Residents of Outdoor Burning Ban Due to Elevated Wildfire Risk

CARVER — Chief Craig Weston and the Carver Fire Department wish to remind residents that, per guidance issued by the State Fire Marshal, Carver has banned all outdoor burning until further notice.

This year’s October wildland fires surged more than 1,200% in Massachusetts. And so far this month, more wildfires have been reported in November than October.

“We’re asking residents to cease all outdoor burning until further notice,” Chief Weston said. “The current drought conditions mean outdoor fires can easily ignite brush, causing wildfires.”

Due to the dry weather caused by an ongoing severe drought and high temperatures, wildfires and brush fires have been rampant in Massachusetts. These statewide weather conditions place all Massachusetts communities at an elevated risk for brush fires.

As a reminder, open burning is prohibited this time of year.

The National Weather Service has issued regular fire advisories and multiple red flag warnings recently. This trend is likely to continue until we receive significant rainfall, and no rain has been forecast for the immediate future.

The warnings indicate that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or may develop, meaning any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and be difficult to extinguish.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October in the state. This year, October’s total capped at about 200 — an increase of about 1,200% over the average.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 292 fires had burned 711 acres in November, according to DFS.

The Carver Fire Department would like to share the following safety tips from the Massachusetts DFS with residents and community members as fire conditions across the state should be monitored closely:

• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials out a car window or over the edge of a balcony; stub them out on stairs or railings.
• Exercise caution when operating lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Properly dispose of ashes or coals from fireplaces, wood stoves, or grills in a metal can, douse it with water, and secure it with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and cause a fire.

Residents and community members should follow instructions from local safety officials. For more information about outdoor fire safety, click here.

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