Gardner area fire chiefs urge caution during burning season: Tips to prevent brush fires

With most of the snow cover gone – at least for now – many residents will be taking the opportunity to burn brush debris and other waste from their yards. But local fire officials are reminding everyone to be aware that conditions remain very dry, and the threat of brush fires is still very real.

On Saturday, firefighters responded to a small brush fire off of Ed Clark Road in Hubbardston.

A March 7 update provided by Massachusetts DCR State Forest Fire Control to local fire departments advised that the greater Gardner area was still in a Level 3 – Critical Drought, according to Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy.

“This has not changed since last fall,” Lagoy said. “Limited precipitation over the winter did not improve the situation, and with springtime comes winter debris on the forest floor quickly drying out due to warmer winds and lack of foliage on trees, allowing sun to penetrate directly to the ground.”

Chief Tom Smith in Winchendon said the risk of wildfires has increased significantly, despite the melting snow in the area.

“Before conducting any brush burning, always check with the fire department to ensure that burning is allowed,” Smith said. “Pay special attention to the weather forecast, particularly wind conditions, humidity, and temperature, as high winds or dry conditions can make brush fires spread.”

Permits required before any open burning

Residents should always call the phone number on their burning permit to confirm that burning is allowed that day, Smith added.

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All greater Gardner communities require residents to obtain a daily permit from their local fire department before any open burning.

Chief Kyle Butterfield of Westminster said local burning could be prohibited on days with dry, warm, and windy weather conditions.

“With the majority of the snowpack melted, local fire departments are beginning to see brush fires, and with no appreciable precipitation in the long-term outlook, brush fire season has started,” he said, adding that Leominster, Devens, and much of southern Worcester County had already seen several brush fires.

How to lower the risk of brush fires

But because the snow cover was lingering a little longer in greater Gardner, the local area had only seen a handful of brush fires to date, according to Lagoy.

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“Open brush burning season runs through May 1, and so far, there has only been one day where burning was prohibited due to high winds,” Lagoy said. “My advice now is to exercise caution with any open fire, have your permit in place, keep fires small, and have a water source ready. Call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control – it will spread rapidly with the dry conditions, as we saw repeatedly last fall.”

Smith recommended creating a safe zone before burning any brush by establishing a wide area around the burn pile that has been cleared of any dry, combustible materials.

“It’s also important to keep firefighting tools, such as a hose, shovel, and rake, nearby in case the fire escapes,” he said. “Ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the site, even if it appears to be out, as smoldering can reignite under dry conditions.”

State officials and local fire departments would continue to monitor conditions on a daily basis and impose ban if necessary for public safety, Lagoy said.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Gardner area fire officials urge caution with open burning