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Officials imposed bans in Massachusetts because it has seen more than 100 wildfires in the last week and is at an increased risk of wildfires.

More than 120 wildfires have burned about 450 acres in the state in the past seven days, said Jake Wark, the state's public information officer Massachusetts Fire Departmentit, USA TODAY said.

The fires occur because weather conditions can cause dry foliage, such as leaves and dead vegetation, to ignite or fuel existing fires.

“The dry, sunny and breezy weather is great for relaxing, but it also means that an outdoor fire spreads quickly and is very difficult to control,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said in a statement. “We see that preventable fires are reaching dangerous proportions and consuming numerous resources at local and regional levels.”

According to the department, communities across Massachusetts are at increased risk of wildfires. The fires could spread to and from residential areas.

There was light rain in the state on Wednesday, but “outdoor fires will continue to spread and increase,” he said.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation banned all open fires and charcoal burning in state parks “to prevent wildfires caused by drought conditions.” This applies until further notice.

Map of Massachusetts wildfires

What causes the fires?

The cause of the fires is a combination of human and natural causes, Caitlyn Mensch, forecaster with the Boston National Weather Service, told USA TODAY.

The drought also contributes to the bushfires.

Continued drought is to be expected

Areas of the state received between a hundredth of an inch and a quarter of an inch early Wednesday morning, but the amount was not enough to moderate the dry conditions, according to Mensch.

“It's a brief minute of relief, but I wouldn't say it eliminates any fire concerns in the area,” she said.

Although there are no warning signs indicating fire weather, Mensch said NWS has issued a special weather statement indicating that dry conditions could contribute to fires starting.

These conditions could continue in the coming weeks.

The state is also experiencing above-average temperatures this season, Mensch said. Temperatures are typically in the mid to upper 50s, but on Wednesday they will be in the low to high 70s. In Boston, temperatures could rise to 81 degrees.

Officials and emergency managers want to “really stay vigilant” Friday as winds increase in Massachusetts, Mensch said. The state will experience wind gusts of about 30 miles per hour, which could help the fire grow larger.

Bushfire kills Massachusetts woman

A small brush fire turned fatal Saturday evening in Millbury, Massachusetts, about 50 miles southwest of Boston, while the state was under a warning advisory, according to the fire department. It is believed to have come from a warehouse.

Maryann Audette, 49, was found dead at the scene of the fire, Telegram and Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. A GoFundMe was set up to help pay for her funeral.

The fire was later extinguished after the Millbury Fire Department and police were notified.

How to prevent a fire

Officials are asking residents to avoid certain activities while the drought continues.

“Avoid outdoor burning for now,” Mensch said. “Avoid anything that could create a spark and report it if you see a fire.”

The fire department also urges residents to do the following:

Avoid cooking outside.
Be careful when using lawn mowers, leaf blowers, ATVs and other power equipment as their engines can heat up to the point of igniting leaves and grass.
To dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves, place them in a metal container, pour water over it, and then cover it with a tight-fitting lid
Smoking materials should be extinguished in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand
Do not Throw cigarettes or other smoking materials over a balcony or into dry vegetation or debris. Also, avoid clearing/extinguishing them on stairs or railings.

Open burning is also banned in Massachusetts through January, according to the department.

Contributor: Marco Cartolano Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her LinkedInkeep following her X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram And TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]

Map of Massachusetts wildfires

What causes the fires?

Continued drought is to be expected

Bushfire kills Massachusetts woman

How to prevent a fire

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