See the state map of fires

Officials placed a ban on Massachusetts as it faced more than 100 people brush burning in the past week and an increased risk of forest fires.

More than 120 wildfires have burned about 1,000 acres across the state over the past seven days, said Jake Wark, the state’s Public Information Officer. Massachusetts Department of Fireestold USA TODAY.

The fires occur because weather conditions can cause dry foliage, such as leaves and dead vegetation, to ignite or fuel existing fires.

“The dry, sunny, breezy weather is great for recreation, but it also means that any outdoor fire will spread quickly and become very difficult to contain,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said in a statement. “We are seeing preventable fires reaching dangerous proportions and tapping into countless sources, locally and regionally.”

Communities across Massachusetts are at increased risk of wildfires, according to the department. The fires could spread to and from residential areas.

The state received some light rain on Wednesday, but “outdoor fires will continue to spread and grow,” he said.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation banned all open flames and charcoal fires in state parks “to prevent forest fires caused by drought.” It is in effect until further notice.

Map of wildfires in Massachusetts

What causes the fires?

The source of the fires is a combination of human and natural causes, Caitlyn Mensch, a forecaster with the Boston National Weather Service, told USA TODAY.

The dry conditions also contribute to the forest fires.

Dry conditions are expected to continue

Areas across the state received anywhere from 40 to 90 inches early Wednesday morning, but the amount was not enough to alleviate the dry conditions, Mensch said.

“It’s a brief minute of relief, but I wouldn’t say it will end the fire concerns in the region,” she said.

While there are no red flag warnings indicating fire weather, Mensch said NWS has issued a special weather statement indicating dry conditions could contribute to fires starting.

These conditions may persist in the coming weeks.

The state is also seeing above-average temperatures this season, Mensch said. Temperatures are usually in the mid to upper 50s, but will be in the low to high 70s on Wednesday. Boston could see temperatures rise to 81 degrees.

Officials and emergency managers want to “really stay vigilant” Friday as winds pick up in Massachusetts, Mensch said. The state will see wind gusts of about 30 mph, which could help increase the size of a fire.

Brush fire kills Massachusetts woman

A small wildfire turned deadly Saturday evening in Millbury, Massachusetts, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Boston, while the state was under a red flag warning, the Department of Fire Services said. It is believed to have come from an encampment.

Maryann Audette, 49, was found dead at the scene of the fire, reported Telegram and Government Gazettepart of the USA TODAY network. A GoFundMe was established to help finance her funeral.

The fire was later extinguished after the Millbury Fire Department and police were notified.

How to prevent a fire

Officials are asking residents to avoid certain activities while dry conditions persist.

“Avoid burning in the open air for the time being,” Mensch said. “Try to avoid anything that could cause a spark, and if you see a fire, report it.”

In addition, the fire brigade asks residents to do the following:

Avoid cooking outside.
Use caution when using lawn mowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles and other electrical equipment as their engines can become hot enough to ignite leaves and grass.
To dispose of fireplace or wood stove ashes, place them in a metal tin, sprinkle with water and cover with a tight-fitting lid
Smoking materials should be extinguished in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand
Doing not throw cigarettes or other smoking materials over a balcony or into dry vegetation or debris. Also avoid extinguishing/bumping them on stairs or railings.

Open burning is also banned in Massachusetts through January, according to the department.

Contributions: Marco Cartolano Worcester Telegram & Gazette

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