Due to Dry Weather, Mass. Cities Asked to Stop Issuing Burning Permits

The sunny spring days may be a relief after this winter’s snows, but dry weather is also creating fire hazards across Massachusetts.

On Saturday, 189 woodland brush fires burned more than 375 acres, sometimes threatening private homes.

Now officials at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation are asking local officials to stop issuing open burning permits immediately.

The open burning season typically extends until the end of April, but this year’s dry, windy spring has dramatically increased the fire hazard.

Officials are also asking residents to take care extinguishing cigarettes and campfires.