By Patty Roy

You can’t miss it on the town website: at auburnma.gov, there is a fire caution notice along with a map outlining drought conditions in the state. The Central Region (Worcester County) is appropriately shaded in burnt orange for Level Three or Critical Drought conditions.

Rainfall has been at a significant low over the past two months and the long –range outlook doesn’t show much relief. That has put a Red Flag Warning into effect, meaning a combination of weather, wind and drought means brush fires have a greater chance of spreading.

The town currently has a “no outside burning” order in place, said Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman. 

“Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control,” he said. 

Chief Coleman is also the Public Information Officer for Fire District 7 that includes Auburn and Oxford. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Association (MEMA) created the district with its 28 municipalities that are organized to rapidly deploy firefighters and equipment, as well as share training.

The Fire Chief said it’s crucial for residents to “refrain from any outdoor activity that can spark a fire,” in order to conserve already busy resources.

“Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire one who can’t respond to a house fire, motor vehicle accident or medical emergency,” he said. 

On November 2, the Chief issued an outdoor burning ban for Auburn. Despite the fact that it was posted on social media and a town-wide Code Red notice sent out, people seemed not to get the message. 

The department responded to eight outside fires from burning leaves, trash and building debris over that same weekend. On November 9, the department assisted at a fire on the Auburn/Millbury line that spread from a fire pit. It is illegal to burn leaves in Massachusetts at any time, and in the current conditions, open air fires such as wood-burning fire pits, chimeneas, and propane-fueled patio and yard accessories should not be used either.

Open air brush burning without a permit and authorization is subject to a fine of $500 plus the cost of suppression during burn season which begins on January 15.

During a drought and on Red Flag days, state law further allows fire chiefs to levy $50 daily fines for “fireworks, candles, recreational and cooking fires or any device that produces an open flame or spark.” [MGL Chapter 148, Section 30]

The fire department’s Facebook page states: “Our goal is to educate and provide people with the current fire conditions so they can make good decisions. However, we know that is not always the case and we provide warnings and explain the rules and conditions to people in violation. If people continue to ignore the law, we will issue fines and seek to recoup costs.”

The entire state, including District 7, 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.

According to Chief Coleman 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.

The lack of rainfall, dry dead leaves, bright sunshine and gusty winds are combining to create perfect conditions for wildfires, once started, to spread.

At the same time, water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure needed to extinguish the fires.

Chief Coleman also points out that about half the homes in Massachusetts are in or near wooded areas, so they are also at risk from wildfires.

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