Danvers Bans All Outdoor Open Fires Amid 'Extreme Drought'

DANVERS, MA — The Danvers Fire Department has banned the use of all outdoor fire pits, fireplaces, chimeras and outdoor cooking fires in Danvers until further notice amid the "extreme drought" and elevated fire risk on the North Shore.

The DFD additionally said any use of outdoor propane gas grills should be used with caution, but are still "permitted at this time."

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Danvers fire crews have been assisting the Middleton Fire Department and other regional departments fighting brushfires in that town that had covered nearly 200 acres as of Monday, as well as recent fires in Salem and other North Shore communities.

• 'Severe' North Shore Drought Conditions Fuel More Brush Fire Concerns

The Danvers Fire Department said the order will remain in effect until the area receives "significant" rain and drought conditions improve.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)