Despite Brief Rain – Fire Risk Remains in Greater Gardner MA
Area Fire Departments have been busy in the month of November with various brush fires in Greater Gardner MA area towns. Pictured is a collage of several of those incidents. Recent rain will not prevent dangerous conditions to return in a couple of days of sun and high winds. Outdoor burning of any kind is still banned in the region.
Gardner Magazine obtained the following statement from Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy, “I concur that the rainfall from this recent storm, while greatly beneficial, will not alleviate the high brush fire risk conditions. The dry conditions will quickly return after a day or two of sun and high winds (which is exactly what the forecast is calling for). We really need several similar rain events to lower the risk level.”
The Chief continued, “The outdoor fire ban will continue for the foreseeable future. State officials, including State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Chief State Forest Fire Warden Dave Celino, are meeting daily to monitor conditions, re-evaluate the situation, and give advice to local fire departments. My advice to residents is to continue to be aware of the risks and cautious with their actions. Please continue to report any violations of the outdoor fire ban to your 911 Dispatch center, firefighters will respond and extinguish unauthorized fires and educate the residents.“