Massachusetts firefighters continue to battle stubborn brush fires across the state

Firefighters in Massachusetts continue to respond fight persistent bush fires Officials across the state are urging residents to take precautions to prevent new fires from breaking out.

Hundreds of acres have already burned in the greater Boston area last week, while new fires have emerged in the western and central parts of the state.

An average of 15 wildfires are reported each October in Massachusetts. This year, the month’s total was capped at around 200; It was an increase of nearly 1,200% above average, rivaling the monthly figures typically seen during the traditional early spring brush fire season.

Nearly 100 fires were reported in the last seven days of the month, according to fire officials, and preliminary information indicates they were all started by human activity. Fires galvanized some communities last week canceling school classes and Halloween events.

On Friday, the National Weather Service declared a “red flag” warning for much of eastern Massachusetts. The warning means that the region experiencing dry and hot weather has a high risk of fire.

Fire officials reminded residents that open burning is prohibited throughout the state through January and in many communities throughout the year.

They also urged residents to avoid outdoor cooking and heating and to be careful when using electrical equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.

Fire officials also warned against throwing cigarette butts, matches or other smoking materials over the edge of balconies, over stairs or railings, or into dry vegetation or debris.

On Saturday, a Boston man was arrested in connection with a brush fire in Milford. The man was accused of setting fire to another person’s land and burning the land, trees, timber and crops.

More than a quarter of this year’s brush and wildland fires occurred in October, according to Chief Fire Marshal David Celino of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The October fires also accounted for more than half of the 1,158 acres burned so far this year.