CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Fire officials are urging residents to be cautious during the open burning season in Massachusetts after wildfires cause devastation. During the fall of last year, severe dry conditions caused an increase in Massachusetts wildfires that burned around 4,000 acres including 1,670 in Great Barrington. For two weeks, nearly 400 firefighters were called to help contain the Butternut fire in rugged and difficult access areas. Dangerous winds fueled more than a dozen wildfires in Southern California since Jan. 1, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area. Thousands of homes were destroyed and at least 24 people were killed. Firefighters deploy as strong winds threaten more LA neighborhoods “This fall, residents across Massachusetts saw just how quickly outdoor fires can grow out of control,” said Chief Fire Warden Celino. “Right now, California is facing an even worse crisis with devastating fires consuming entire neighborhoods. Please don’t risk a fire that puts you, your home, or your community at risk. Burn only approved materials and always get a permit from your local fire department first.” Every year from January 15th through May 1st open burning season allows Massachusetts residents in certain communities to burn natural materials in their yards. A permit from the local fire department is required to burn materials outdoors. “Open burning season begins January 15 in communities where it’s allowed,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Even where burning is authorized, a permit from your local fire department is always required in advance and it’s your responsibility to be able to extinguish the fire on a moment’s notice. For two years in a row, Massachusetts residents have lost their lives when they couldn’t contain their fires – please make safety your priority when burning.” Burning must be done between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings. Fire departments encourage you to stage the fire as close as possible to the source of the material. “Open burning is limited to protect public health and public safety,” said MassDEP Commissioner Heiple. “The governing laws and regulations are in place to reduce air pollution, property damage, and personal injury. If open burning is allowed in your community, please follow the local and state guidance to keep yourself, your neighbors, and our environment safe.” Cities open burning is not allowed: There are 22 communities where open burning is banned entirely. Arlington Belmont Boston Brookline Cambridge Chelsea Chicopee Everett Fall River Holyoke Lawrence Lowell Malden Medford New Bedford Newton Somerville Springfield Waltham Watertown West Springfield Worcester MAP: Current Wildfires Local News Headlines School bus, car involved in crash at Springfield intersection Ware man faces 6 charges including sexual contact with animals “Pig butchering” schemes on the rise: What to know Wildfires in Massachusetts and California prompt safety reminder as open burning season begins 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.