Boston: National Weather Service
has issued a Red Flag Warning for Southern New England in effect from 10 AM until 6 PM this evening EDT today. http://1.usa.gov/1FQqQwg
Press Release Contact: Kevin O’Shea- (617) 626-4967 or kevin.o’shea@state.ma.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Environmental Officials Warn of Elevated Risk of Wildland Fires
Red Flag Warning Posted for all of Massachusetts
BOSTON – April 20, 2016 - With an unseasonably dry winter that has produced higher than average temperatures and little to no lasting snow pack across most of the state, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are cautioning the public that wildland fire danger has steadily increased. As a result of the recent weather conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning posted for all of Massachusetts. A red flag warning cautions that current conditions are ideal for wildland fires to ignite and spread rapidly due to dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds.
“With the state currently encountering such dry conditions, the risk of wildland fires increases drastically,” said DCR Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino. “The fire is elevated by lack of precipitation, and warm spring temperatures that are typically accompanied by periods of low relative humidity and drying wind events, which combined, result in the rapid drying of dead or dormant fuels, such as leaf litter and brush. Adding to the risk is the human factor of careless disposal of smoking materials, escaped open burning permits, and camp fires left unchecked.”
The DCR asks everyone to take proper precautions and to remain diligent in their efforts in preventing a wildland fire, which can have devastating effects on delicate habitats. Dried leaves and fallen branches can create an extremely potent fuel, and when coupled with windy conditions, a fire can easily spread. A carelessly tossed cigarette or a poorly extinguished camp fire can cause a wildland fire that will ultimately threaten ecosystems.
“Wildland fires can have lasting impacts on the ecology of a forest, which will detrimentally change the way state land is managed for public use,” said Peter Church, DCR Director of Forest Stewardship. “While we encourage the public to get outside and enjoy nature, we ask that everybody remains conscience of the elevated risk of starting a wildland fire.”
Over 95% of all wildfires nationwide are human caused. In 2015, there were 2,541 reported wildland fires that burned 2,381 acres across the state. One of the larger fires occurred in Clarksburg State Forest where an escaped campfire on the Appalachian Trail resulted in a 279 acre fire that took firefighters from DCR and several surrounding towns four days to contain.
To date this year there have already been 260 reported wildland fires that have burned 300 acres around the state, including a 51 acre in rugged terrain off of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Montgomery and a 21 acre fire in Lakeville that threatened 17 homes.
For further information regarding fire related weather concerns please visit the National Weather Service’s fire weather webpage.
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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Leo Roy, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
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Visit The Great Outdoors blog.................................... www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Visit our website........................................................ www.mass.gov/dcr
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 — (617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)
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