An Important Message From Fire Chief Carrico...

A Medfield Outdoor Fire Ban Extended Through November 24

Any Outdoor Fire may Spread and Threaten People and Property

As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to
grow, Medfield Fire Chief Carrico and municipal leaders are prohibiting any outdoor fires at least
until Friday, November 24.

Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any
outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control. Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is
one who cannot respond to a house fire, car crash, or medical emergency. Help us help you. 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 January 15th and year-
round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. Today’s 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. This restriction
does not apply to gas grills and smokers.

Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity
will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts, including Medfield, 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. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and
the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, 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.