By Patty Roy

On November 4, Sutton Fire Chief Matthew Belsito issued a strict “no burn order” for the town of Sutton. It applies to all outdoor fires including wood and propane-fueled fire pits, Solo-type stoves, chimeneas, outside fireplaces and other patio and yard accessories. In fact, the state is under a no burn order, so Millbury and Grafton,  that goes for you, too.

Leaf burning is against the law in Massachusetts and the open burn season with a local permit does not begin until January, so if you smell smoke, call 911 immediately to report it.

Weather conditions have combined to create prime conditions for spreading brush fires – a record dry spell, sunny days and windy conditions.

Sutton is part of the state Fire District 7 as are Millbury and Grafton. The district comprises 28 municipalities that assist each other with firefighting and training.

“We have responded to a number of brush fires within the town,” said Sutton Fire Chief Matthew Belsito, who is also chairman of District 7.

Sutton Fire has also responded to half a dozen fires at the request of the Fire District 7 Strike Team (includes Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge and Upton) and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Task Force.

Members of Sutton Fire as well as firefighters all over the state have been extremely busy this fall and are getting tired, Chief Belsito said.

“Firefighters don’t quite when they’re tired – we stop when the incident is over,” he said.

Their dedication has been on show over the very busy fall fire season. Chief Belsito said it’s due to “many years of collaboration and training in strengthening communications, putting policies and procedures in place and planned preparation drills between all public safety entities.”

State public safety official and MEMA have also augmented the work to create one cohesive unit to better serve residents in both firefighting and mitigating serious incidents throughout the state.

For right now, all residents should be very mindful of any open flame or ignition source and be as cautious as possible especially with leaf collection machinery and grilling.

One bright spot is Sutton’s forestry equipment is in “tip top shape,” the Chief said.

“It’s very well maintained, cleaned and thoroughly inspected after every single call to ensure we are ready to roll out for the next response at 100 percent.”