Fire Chief Paul J. Parisi has implemented an outdoor burning ban within the Town of Ipswich, effective immediately. The ban is being executed in accordance with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, under the authority of Massachusetts CMR 527, Chapter 10, Section 10.2.
“Our region has been in drought status for several months, which means when fires occur, they have the potential to burn deep into the peat, and are difficult to extinguish” stated Chief Parisi. “In addition, with the lack of precipitation, the fall leaves and other decaying vegetation are ripe to burn. Fires will start easily and will spread rapidly. For these reasons, an immediate ban has been implemented.”
Recent fires in the region (Middleton, North Reading, North Andover and Salem) have been examples of stubborn fires that may take days or weeks to put out. In fact, some may not be fully extinguished until we have a substantial rainfall or snow cover.
“We do not implement this ban lightly,” Chief Parisi said. “However, as a precautionary measure to keep our residents and property safe, it is hereby enacted.”
The outdoor burning ban covers any and all fires outdoors, including ceremonial, cooking, agricultural, and recreational fires. The ban will be in effect until lifted. Violations will be enforced by Ipswich Fire and Police Departments as necessary.
In Massachusetts, an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS). This year, the month’s total capped at about 200 – an increase of about 1,200 percent over the average. Of these fires, 100 were reported over the last seven days, and preliminary information indicates that all of them started with human activity.
Ipswich 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.
- 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, out of vehicle windows, 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.
Questions regarding the ban should be directed to Chief Parisi at pparisi@ipswichfire.org.
