NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said that around 200 wildland fires occurred in the state in October, an increase of about 1,200% over the average. The department said that an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October, but in 2024 the numbers were higher than normally seen even in the early spring brush fire season. It added that 100 of the fire were reported over the last seven days of the month, and all of those appeared to be human-caused. “More than a quarter of this year’s brush and wildland fires took place in October,” Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden David Celino said. “They accounted for more than half of the 1,158 acres burned so far this year.” The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the entire state Friday, which prohibits outdoor burning. Fire officials are also asking residents to: Remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches. Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass. Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash. 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, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris. Categories: Massachusetts, News