Severe drought and wildfires heighten risk statewide

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts is dealing with widespread wildfires and severe drought, both of which heighten the risk of additional fires

Mass Wild Life did issue a wildfire notice for outdoor users Thursday, advising those outdoors to take proper precautions to keep themselves and others safe.

Mass Wildlife says to stay away from active fires. Even if they appear to be out, they could still be burning underground. They also recommend the following:

Extinguish and dispose of smoking materials properly.

If you're near a wooded area, park away from dry grass or leaves, but do not block access gates.

Avoid recently burned areas because of the risk of falling trees weakened by fire.

Do not burn anything outdoors, and know there is an outdoor burn ban statewide.

If you see or smell smoke, be safe, leave the woods, and call 911 to report.

According to the DCR, there were 16 active wildfires in Massachusetts as of yesterday, and still 4 in western Massachusetts.

That Northampton fire at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is still about 85% contained with crews surrounding and monitoring the area.

Others in Monson, Montgomery, and Whateley are also still being monitored, Monson and Whately are both contained at nearly 90%, while the Moose Meadow fire in Montgomery remains monitored at 60% contained.

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