Fire Warning Issued; Conditions 'Near Perfect' for Forest Fire

Due to strong northerly winds, the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outloook that includes an elevated fire weather potential today in Central Massachusetts, including Grafton.

Grafton Fire Chief Michael Gauthier said today's conditions could warrant a "red flag,'' status, which means critical fire weather conditions are either occuring or will shortly.

If that happens, no burning will be allowed, even for those holding burning permits.

He stressed that even those with burning permits are required to call the station the morning of any planned burn. Fires are only allowed after 10 a.m. and must be extinguished by 4 p.m., if weather conditions permit burning at all.

The burning season begins Jan. 15 and ends May 1. Burning permits cost $5 and must be purchased at the station.

Grafton bylaws also prohibit burning on Sundays. This long-standing regulation helps ensure that the town's call firefighters have a better chance of having the day off, the chief said.