SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A warning from fire officials following a rise in brush fires. Fire officials say to prevent them, know your neighborhood's regulations on open burning, which is only allowed within the state from January 15th to May 1st, make sure to dispose of smoking materials properly, and look where you're running your extension cords outside to see if the surrounding area is heating up. Railroad trestle damaged in Monson brush fire "Make sure that all citizens know the communities they live in and the regulations in the cities of Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. Due to state legislation and population density you cannot outdoor burn at all," said Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Assistant Coordinator Peter Jerusik. Fire officials say if you notice a large amount of smoke in your area, call 911. Local News Headlines NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 safely returns after 7 months New farm-to-table market opens in downtown Springfield National First Responders Day honors new firefighter recruits State House Spotlight: Week of celebration WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.