STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton reports that the Stoneham Fire Department and Town of Stoneham officials are banning all outdoor fires until further notice.

The outdoor fire ban includes fires associated with fire pits, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment that are not specifically covered under the Open Burning regulation.

As a reminder, open burning is prohibited this time of year. Open burning season is from Jan. 15 through May 1.

Wildfires and brush fires have been rampant in Massachusetts due to the changing weather and environmental factors. These statewide weather conditions place all Massachusetts communities at an elevated risk for brush fires.

“Historically low rainfall, bright and windy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control,” Chief Grafton said. “The department has responded as mutual aid to several neighboring communities who have been battling wildfires. Please use caution and common sense and refrain from any outdoor activity that could spark a fire.”

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through Jan. 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation.

This 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 activities will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts, including Stoneham, 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.

Chief Grafton, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry report that 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.

“The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” Chief Grafton said. “If you see smoke or flames, please call 911 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community.”

The Stoneham Fire Department would like to share the following safety tips from the Massachusetts DFS with residents and community members, as fire conditions across the state should be monitored closely:

• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
• Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Properly dispose of ashes or coals from fireplaces, wood stoves, or grills in a metal can, douse it with water, and secure it with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and cause a fire.
• Residents and community members should follow instructions from local safety officials.

For more information about outdoor fire safety, click here.