NOTICE FROM CHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT – 11/8/24
No outside fires permitted! Extremely dry conditions persist. Red flag warning!
Fire activity continues throughout the Commonwealth as weather conditions continue to favor wildfire development. As of 1700 yesterday, there are 7 active fires in the State.
A return to clear skies and above average temperatures yesterday helped to increase fire activity across the eastern half of Massachusetts and most of Connecticut. Ongoing fire operations saw increased burning on interior portions of the fire perimeters, although all existing fire perimeters held with no growth reported.
An increasing number of communities are now instituting burn bans at the local level. Due to predicted warm temperatures and winds gusting to 25-30 mph today, The National Weather Service under guidance from DCR Forest Fire Control Staff has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for ALL of Massachusetts, this also includes Connecticut and Rhode Island. The RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from 0800hrs to 1900hrs for Wednesday. This warning is to alert people to an ongoing or expected critical fire weather pattern. The dropping of fall foliage onto burn areas continues to challenge containment efforts on most fires.
The State Fire Marshal and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts have issued a recommendation to local fire chiefs to deny any fire-related permit requests and collaborate with local officials to prohibit any recreational fire activity. Fire chiefs have the authority to prohibit the use of open flames and other ignition sources in hazardous conditions, such as extreme drought or red-flag conditions, under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.
The State Fire Marshal has provided the Fire Chiefs throughout the Commonwealth with guidance on implementing Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) as needed. A TFR restricts aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time and can be issued due to natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes. Resource: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/temporary_flight_restrictions
Weather Update:
The continuation of warmer temperatures and gusty conditions will lead to enhanced brush fire conditions today, despite a slight increase in humidity. High temperatures today will top out in the 60s and 70s across the Commonwealth with a southwesterly wind of 8 – 16, gusting to 25 – 30mph. Humidity levels are expected to range from 50% to 70%.
A moisture-starved cold front will cross the region on Thursday, gradually cooling temperatures and lowering humidity levels through Saturday. On Thursday, expect a northwesterly wind at speeds of 10 – 20 mph, with humidity between 40% and 50%.
Heightened fire weather concerns continue Friday into Saturday, with humidity dropping to 30% – 40% under a breezy westerly wind of 9 – 16 mph, gusting to 25 – 30 mph. Winds will relax slightly on Saturday, with speeds of 10 – 20 mph, but humidity will remain low, ranging from 30% to 40%.
Confidence continues to increase for some rainfall between Sunday and Monday. While it is not expected to be a heavy downpour, widespread amounts of 0.10 to 0.30 will provide temporary relief in ignitions, however, will have little effect in getting full suppression on existing fires.
Thank you,
Chief Nate Bolduc