EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - The East Longmeadow Fire Department has announced they will be denying all outdoor burning permit requests. October weather ranks third driest on record in Massachusetts This comes amid the recent dry weather conditions and at the recommendation of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal. This includes fires associated with fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment. The policy will be in place until weather conditions improve. Steps to help prevent brush fires There are some steps you can take for your safety including creating a fire-resistant zone around your house and removing all flammable materials, this could include yard holiday decorations. Especially in these dry conditions and as the leaves begin to fall, it is important to use caution if you are picking them up. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other power tools can get hot enough to ignite dry leaves. 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.  Local News Headlines East Longmeadow denying all outdoor burning permits Crash on Route 10 in Bernardston causes power outage Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich suffers ‘health issue,’ to be sidelined indefinitely Democrats call for investigation into grocery prices 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.