BERKLEY — Chief Scott Fournier and Berkley Fire Rescue would like to inform all residents that open burning fires of all types are canceled indefinitely as a result of current weather conditions.
All open burning fires, including agricultural and cooking fires, are canceled in Berkley.
Bristol County is under an elevated fire risk as a dry air mass moves in and strong wind gusts are forecast through at least Wednesday.
“We would like to stress the urgency of this situation to all of our residents as open burning during a drought is especially dangerous,” Chief Fournier said. “The wildfires out in the western part of the country are a reminder of how quickly fires can become uncontrollable and the damage they cause. The dry air along with fallen leaves on the ground can produce fire conditions that could be extremely difficult to control.”
Predictions for Tuesday’s weather includes a dry mass of air and gusty winds across Massachusetts that could mix with dry fuels such as grass, leaves and twigs that could produce fire. Winds are expected to increase on Tuesday, especially in areas along the coast. Minimum relative humidity values are predicted to decrease to between 35-40% along the coast and southeast.
Due to the ongoing and expanding drought conditions and recent increase in leaf drop, fires could produce challenging conditions for extinguishment and increase the potential of fire spreading.
###