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Here’s what Mass. officials are saying about whether rain has helped douse wildfires
The recent rainfall hasn’t completely doused the threat of brushfires in Massachusetts — but there is some good news.
Some much-needed rain quenched drought-stricken Massachusetts late this week. While it helped to alleviate some Red Flag conditions, it didn’t fully extinguish the ongoing wildfire risk.
Between half an inch and 1.5 inches of rain fell across parts of Massachusetts on Thursday, with some drizzly conditions following on Friday and Saturday. Although the precipitation was welcome amid an ongoing drought that’s stricken the northeastern United States, the rain didn’t do much to quell concerns over brush fires.
But there was good news — no new fires were reported Thursday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
“The precipitation will mean a couple days without new fires starting,” the DCR said in a statement. “Once the precipitation stops and surface fuels dry out again the chances for new starts will increase. The existing deep burning fires will continue to hold heat and will not be extinguished by this event.”
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The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services also acknowledged the small win in the ongoing battle of the brush fire.
“For the 1st time in nearly a month, there were no new #Wildfires in Massachusetts yesterday,” the department said Friday on X. “Many fires still burn but as we take a breath we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have battled unprecedented fire conditions statewide. Your work has been nothing short of heroic.”
On Friday, five North Shore towns declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires, which have burned about 500 acres in the region.
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The Massachusetts State Fire Marshall is also warning residents to be extra cautious when cooking for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
“There are about twice as many fires on Thanksgiving as on the next-closest day, and almost all of them start with unsafe cooking,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Don’t let a fire ruin this special day with your family and loved ones. Practice fire safety when cooking and heating your home, and be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that can alert you to danger.”
Fire safety experts are also strongly discouraging people from frying their Thanksgiving turkeys. According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, people should specifically avoid using outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.
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