All outdoor burning has been banned in Wayland due to the ongoing dry weather conditions and high winds, in compliance with a statewide advisory.
Wayland Fire Chief Neil McPherson announced that as of Nov. 12, all fires associated with fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment are prohibited. Propane grills are allowed, with McPherson reminding residents to use caution while operating them.
Outdoor burning is prohibited at this time of year, with open burning season normally running from Jan. 15 through May 1 each year.
The National Weather Service on Friday issued a red-flag warning for this region, indicating that critical weather conditions are either occurring or may develop, meaning any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and be difficult to extinguish.
In Massachusetts, an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS). This year, the month’s total peaked at about 200, an increase of about 1,200 percent above the average. Half of the Massachgusetts wildfires in October were reported over the last seven days, and preliminary information indicates that all of the se fires started with human activity., the DFS reported.
The Wayland Fire Department share the following outdoor fire safety tips:
- Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
- Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
- Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
- Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
- Properly dispose of ashes or coals from fireplaces, wood stoves, or grills in a metal can, douse it with water, and secure it with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and cause a fire.
- Residents and community members should follow instructions from local safety officials.
