Dedham Outdoor Fire Ban Extended Through November 22
Any Outdoor Fire Will Spread and Threaten People and Property
Dedham, MA - As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to grow, Dedham Fire Chief William Spillane is prohibiting any outdoor fires in Dedham until at least Friday, November 22.
“We have seen unseasonably dry weather conditions for an extended period of time in communities across Massachusetts, increasing the potential for small outdoor fires to spread very quickly,” said Fire Chief Spillane. “We can all work together to prevent brush fires by taking important steps, such as no outdoor fires, so that our firefighters can remain available to respond to other emergency calls in Dedham. Our ask is simple: no outdoor fires. The risk for danger is too high.”
Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. Today’s order additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought.
Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.
All of Massachusetts, including Dedham, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. Statewide, fires in October rose 1,200% above the historical average, and the 133 fires reported in the first week of November represent more than six times the average for the entire month. Many have damaged homes and other properties. According to Chief Spillane, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources.
Months without meaningful rainfall, abundant dead leaves and vegetation, bright sunshine, and gusty winds make the current and expected weather conditions ripe for a wildfire in every city and town in Massachusetts. At the same time, static water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure to extinguish these fires. Because about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, almost any significant wildfire will threaten residential areas.
“Early response is key!,” said Chief Spillane. “As soon as you see smoke or flames, call 911. Our E-911 teams and firefighters are ready to respond right away to protect you and this community.”
Stay Connected
For updates about fire response efforts and open burning restrictions, please visit www.mass.gov/DFS or follow the Massachusetts Dept. of Fire Services on social media (@MassDFS). For updates and notifications from the Dedham Fire Department, please follow the Dedham Fire Dept. on X (@DedhamFire) and subscribe for email notifications at www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe.
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Media Contact: Amanda Smith
Director of Communications
781-751-9503
asmith@dedham-ma.gov
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