Wildfires broke out in Mass. over the weekend. What to know about fire risk today

AccuWeather expert meteorologists sounded the alarm regarding the increasing threat of brush fires and wildfires across the northeastern United States, and sure enough, there were brush fires erupting in Massachusetts over the weekend.

A 130-acre fire in Salem continued to burn as of Monday morning, Oct. 28.

Meteorologists say this is due to the stretch of exceptionally warm weather combined with record dry conditions.  

“It has been bone-dry across much of the country for the past 30 days,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno stated in a release. “We saw excessive rainfall in parts of the Southeast, Florida and the Carolinas from hurricanes Helene and Milton. There was also plenty of rain in parts of New Mexico and Colorado from an upper low. That’s been it. The rest of the country has been very dry. We are seeing fronts moving across the country from west to east, but they’re moisture starved.” 

The National Weather Service also says the area is at an elevated fire risk, citing the dry condition and wind. Northeast Massachusetts is particularly vulnerable, according to the agency.

Where are there wildfires?

The Salem wildfire, which has spread to Lynn, is the largest, starting Saturday evening. According to Wicked Local media partner WCVB Channel 5, the National Guard is airdropping water on it to douse the fire.

It's not the only fire that started in Massachusetts over the weekend. A brush fire in Millbury killed a woman on Saturday night and a brush fire broke out Sunday along I-95 in Weston.

There were also wildfires last week in the state including one in Sutton.

Wildfires MA:Woman dies in small brush fire in Millbury Saturday night

Is Massachusetts in a drought?

According to Mass.gov, the northeast and central regions of the state are in a "mild drought."

Where is the highest risk for brush fires in the country?

AccuWeather stated in a release that, "there is a risk of wildfires this week across parts of 46 of the 48 contiguous states. The only states not included on the map facing an elevated risk of wildfires are Arizona and Maine."

Why has it been so dry in the northeast?

AccuWeather stated it's partly because of the unseasonably warm temperatures in the region, noting, "More than two dozen daily record-high temperatures were shattered in the northeast so far (last) week. The Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., has been remarkably dry."

How to stay safe from wildfire risk

According to the American Red Cross, here are some steps to take to prevent a possible wildfire:

• Only start a campfire or bonfire in a fire pit.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Always make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
• Dispose of used matches and cigarette butts in a closed container or cup of water.
• Only burn yard waste or rubbish in a 50-gallon drum or fire pit.
• Don’t burn anything highly combustible including paper or fabric soaked in oil or gasoline.
• Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.
• Don’t spill gasoline or motor oil on grass or other vegetation.
• Make sure tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas have spark arresters.