STOW, Mass. (WWLP) - The continued lack of rain has caused extremely dry conditions in Massachusetts and a marked increase in wildfire danger statewide. As a result, the National Weather Service issued another Red Flag warning for all of Massachusetts. The Department of Fire Services says that an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October and this year there have been at least 200 reported last month. This number is also higher than those reported during the early spring brush fire season. Red Flag Warning: Brush fire danger high in western Massachusetts Investigators say that 100 of the fires in the past seven days were caused by human activity. While most of the fires are in remote areas, high winds and dry conditions make it easier for them to spread to residential areas. Additionally, heavy smoke can cause poor driving conditions and impact the health of people and pets, especially those with underlying health issues. Fire officials suggest that people monitor fire conditions closely and follow instructions from local public safety officials by enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on cell phones and signing up for your community's alert system if available. “More than a quarter of this year’s brush and wildland fires took place in October,” said Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation. “They accounted for more than half of the 1,158 acres burned so far this year. The weather conditions and dry surface fuels that have contributed to these fast-moving fires are expected to continue in the days ahead. Any outdoor fire will grow quickly, become difficult to control, and require numerous firefighting resources.” “About 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas at risk for brush and wildland fires,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “In the current fire weather environment, any significant fire could put people and property in danger. In fact, many of them have started with activity around the house, like outdoor cooking and using lawn tractors and other power equipment.” “Battling wildland fires is labor-intensive, time-consuming, resource-heavy work for our firefighters,” said Foxborough Fire Chief Michael D. Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. “Dead and compromised trees, off-road apparatus, and drought-induced fire behavior all pose a heightened level of danger to our personnel. We’re asking all our residents to help us help them by refraining from any activity that could involve sparks, flames, and heat sources outdoors.” Fire officials are 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. Currently, there are still several large active fires, most in the eastern part of the state: VIEW HERE: Live Massachusetts Brush Fire Map Cain Hill Fire in Salem/Lynn: currently at 140 acres and 50% contained Middleton Pond Fire in Middleton: 188 acres and 70% contained Pappas Fire in Canton: 32 acres and 90% contained Wolcott Hill / Blue Hills Reservation: 2 acres and 100% contained Curry 24 Fire in Devens: 100 acres and 99% contained Maple Meadow Fire in Wilmington: 10 acres and 70% contained Mt. Laurel Fire in Holden: 6 acres and 95% contained Trader’s Way Fire in Salem: 15 acres and 50% contained Old Forest Road Fire in North Andover: 5 acres and 30% contained Local News Headlines 38th annual “Hope for the Holidays” toy drive and motorcycle run held in Chicopee Berkshire County man allegedly shot and killed his sister Low-cost pet services thanks to Massachusetts “I’m animal friendly” license plate Massachusetts saw 1,200% increase in wildfires in October 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.