CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Fire departments across western Massachusetts are still battling brush fires, as the dry weather continues throughout November. Severe drought and wildfires heighten risk statewide The National Weather Service has been issuing Red Flag Warnings for multiple days across the region because of rising wind speeds, lack of rain, and low humidity. Local Fire Departments are still urging people to take all measures to prevent fires from starting. "Anything outside that involves heat, embers, or sparks, please avoid those until we re-evaluate the situation after November 22nd," says Captain Katie Collins-Kalbaugh of the Chicopee Fire Department. Residents can practice fire safety by: Following the statewide outdoor burn ban Disposing smoking materials properly Calling 911 if you see smoke outside. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services claim a majority of wildfires begin with human activity. "We've had significantly low numbers of rainfall over the past three months and water levels are starting to receed. So we really need some good soaking rain," explained Captain Collins-Kalbaugh. According to the Department of Conservation & Recreation, as of Saturday, there were 16 active wildfires within the state. Four of those were in western Massachusetts. If you want to know exactly where fires are burning within the state, click here. Local News Headlines Lack of Rain Heightening Brush Fire Risks Across Region Family Decorates Home for a Cause in Chicopee The golf season is coming to an end in the city of Springfield Chicopee crews put out two fires Saturday night 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.