Attleboro Fire Bans All Outdoor Burning Due To Wildfire Risk

ATTLEBORO, MA — Attleboro fire officials have banned all outdoor burning until firther notice due to an elevated wildfire risk.

The ban, which comes per guidance by the State Fire Marshal, includes fires in fire pits, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment not covered under the open burning regulation, officials said. Open burning season runs only from Jan. 15 through May 1.

"Wildfires and brush fires have been rampant in Massachusetts due to the changing weather and environmental factors," fire officials said. "These statewide weather conditions place all Massachusetts communities at an elevated risk for brush fires."

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Friday, which indicates that any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and be difficult to extinguish.

In Massachusetts, an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. This year, the month’s total capped at about 200, half of which were reported over the last seven days. Preliminary information indicates that all of them started with human activity, officials said.

The Massachusetts DFS offered the following recommendations to residents:

• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
• Use caution with 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.