Dangerous Brush Fire Conditions Spur Warnings, Burning Bans Across MA

SALEM, MA — A stretch of warm, windy and very dry weather ignited brush fire warnings across Massachusetts on Wednesday with some cities and towns banning outdoor burning and issuing tips on preventing the rapid spread of any flames.

The National Weather Service issued a warning for an elevated risk of brush fires with northwest winds gusting to 30 mph with very low humidity.

"Exercise caution handling any potential ignition sources, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Any fires that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly," the NWS said.

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The city of Salem issued its own fire alert to residents after the North Shore was battered with several brush fires consuming hundreds of acres last fall.

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"As we experience increasingly dry conditions this season, the risk of wildfires is higher than ever," said Salem Deputy Chief Peter Schaeublin. "We urge all residents to take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of these fires and help support the Salem Fire Department. Simple actions like properly discarding cigarettes, maintaining defensible space around homes, and reporting suspicious activity can make a significant difference. Together, we can protect our community and prevent devastating fires."

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Fire prevention tips include:

• Refrain from lighting any outdoor fires, including campfires, bonfires, and burning yard waste. Dry conditions make these more dangerous than ever.
• Dispose of cigarettes properly. Make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished before discarding them. Never throw them on the ground or out of car windows.
• Create defensible space around your home. Clear away dead leaves, dry grass, and other flammable debris from your yard. Trim trees and bushes to help create a buffer zone.
• Inspect equipment. Make sure lawnmowers, grills, and other outdoor equipment are in good working condition to avoid sparks.
• Stay prepared. Remember to call 9–1–1 to report a fire or suspicious activity.

The Beverly Fire Department and Hopkinton Fire Department also banned all outdoor burning this week.

Elevated fire conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the week, with another very dry and windy forecast for Thursday.

The next chance of showers is Friday morning, according to the NWS, with scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms that day as highs are back near 80 degrees.

Saturday will bring fire risk relief — albeit via another somewhat soggy weekend — with a high of 75 degrees before a cooler and drier Sunday with a high of 62.

(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.)