AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - As fire departments work to control brush fires burning across Massachusetts, residents are strongly urged to help prevent these fires. In addition to this, many communities are asking people not to burn anything at all outside to lower the risk. "It is certainly one of the driest situations…and most hazardous situations I've seen in my career," says Agawam Fire Chief Alan Sirois. Brush fires continue to burn hundreds of acres across the state. As of Monday morning, some are close to being fully contained in western Massachusetts, and nearby in Worcester County. However, the Fire Chief in the town of Spencer says residents are not adhering to the burning ban to help prevent these fires. Spencer fire crews were called to 6 outside fires this past weekend from people burning leaves and trash. The Agawam Fire Department has been assisting crews in Monson to control the brush fire there, caused by improper disposal of embers from a bucket of ashes. "They are being caused by just carelessness or negligence on the part of people burning in their backyard," adds Chief Sirois. Agawam joins many other communities enforcing stricter outdoor burning restrictions. Chief Sirois emphasizes the importance of public safety, "Our main goal with this ban is to keep people safe. This is a public safety matter. We want people to be informed and we want them to be educated on what the hazards are." Under Massachusetts Law, residents in violation of an open burn ban could face fines of up to $500 plus the cost to suppress a fire. James B. Winston, a Lawyer with James B. Winston Law Offices, told 22News, "After all many departments have to bring in firefighters on overtime which can be very costly for a community to put out a fire. There's also the possibility of imprisonment up to one month." Massachusetts residents are strongly encouraged to contact their local fire department if they have any questions about their community's open burn ban. MassDEP says open burning season runs from January 15 to May 1st, and is only allowed on days when both air quality and fire safety conditions are acceptable. Local News Headlines Local fire departments urge caution amid brush fires Historic Springfield theater to reopen after major renovation Men Wear Pink event in Springfield raises funds for breast cancer Local restaurants join fight to end veteran homelessness 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.