Once considered rare in the Northeast, wildfires are becoming an increasing risk as the region experiences longer dry spells, warmer temperatures, and more erratic precipitation patterns — all of which contribute to drier vegetation and more favorable conditions for wildfires.
This emerging reality was particularly acute last fall, as the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry reported that 662 wildfires burned 4,000 acres between Oct. 1 and Nov. 27 — a significant increase over the five-year average of 1,200 acres burned annually.
In a June 12 article in the Boston Globe, Dave Celino, chief fire warden for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, said “flash droughts” have become more common in Massachusetts. And when drought comes on quickly and persists, fires happen more frequently.
That was the story this year, until a recent rainy stretch ended the drought in most of the state, Celino told the Globe. In January, which had an average of seven fires over the last seven years, there were 25, mostly because of a lack of snow. The seven-year average for March in Massachusetts is 164 fires, but there were 380 this year.
Compounding the risk is the expansion of the wildland-urban interface areas, where homes and businesses abut forests, fields and other undeveloped lands. The Department of Fire Services reports that nearly half of homes in Massachusetts are located in or near these zones, particularly in regions such as Worcester County, Cape Ann, and Cape Cod. Vegetation and human activity coexist in these areas in ways that increase the chance of ignition and complicate firefighting efforts.
According to the DFS, most wildfires in Massachusetts are caused by human activity. Common culprits include:
While large wildfires may still be rare, the risks from these events — both to buildings and public health are growing.
Here are some steps communities should consider to reduce wildfire risks:
Use mapping to identify areas within the municipality that contain dense vegetation, forested land, or wildland-urban interface areas. Overlay these with infrastructure and residential data to understand where people and property are most exposed.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation recently issued an advisory with detailed recommendations covering three distinct property areas:
1. Immediate Zone, which includes a structure and the five-foot area surrounding it
2. Intermediate Zone, which covers from five to 30 feet from a structure’s outermost point
3. Extended Zone, which stretches up to 200 feet from the structure
The DCR offers a range of resources and technical assistance to help with these efforts.
Many Massachusetts municipalities allow open burning from January to May, but policies vary. Local leaders are advised to ensure that their community’s regulations are up to date, clearly communicated, and aligned with state guidelines.
Additional restrictions should be considered during periods of drought, and these changes should be communicated to residents via websites, signage and public alerts.
Public outreach is key. Communities can develop seasonal campaigns, particularly in spring and fall, about:
Some cities and towns distribute checklists, and some local fire departments conduct neighborhood walk-throughs.
Air quality in municipal buildings is particularly critical because they may serve as emergency shelters during a wildfire event.
For buildings equipped with a building management system, providers should be asked to create an easily accessible emergency response button within the graphical interface specifically for wildfire events. This feature should promptly adjust all components to pre-set configurations designed to minimize the infiltration of airborne particulates.
Specifically, program controls should be set to:
The following actions are recommended for buildings without a building management system:
Parks, trails, and town-owned open space can become high-risk zones if they’re not properly managed. It’s important to have policies for regular mowing and brush clearing, removal of dead or diseased trees, and controlled or prescribed burns (in coordination with DCR and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife).
The local Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness plan or Hazard Mitigation Plan should be updated to incorporate wildfire scenarios. Consider evacuation routes, public sheltering options, and coordination protocols across departments.
Also, ensure that communication systems — such as reverse 911, text/email alerts, and websites — can be activated quickly to inform residents.
By updating policies, investing in preparedness, and educating the public, cities and towns can reduce the likelihood of serious wildfires and limit their impact if they do occur.
