City firefighters this month have responded to multiple brush fires, a consequence of the region’s drought conditions.
A single fire engine responded on Nov. 13 to a brush fire on Newton Street at River Street by Connors Memorial Swimming Pool and cleared the area within about 20 minutes.
Engine 2 and Tower 1 on Nov. 12 responded to a tree trunk fire near 76 Middlesex Road and likewise took about 20 minutes to clear the scene.
Engine 3 on Nov. 10 responded to an outside fire near 330 River St., taking nearly an hour to clear the scene.
The Fire Department sent crews to the Robert Treat Paine Estate for a reported brush fire of approximately 2 acres twice on Nov. 7 and a third time on Nov. 8. It took crews several hours to clear the areas on the first and second calls, and about 90 minutes on the third call.
It also responded to 1430 Main St. where mulch was on fire next to a building on Nov. 7 and spent about 90 minutes on the scene.
“Fortunately, all of these incidents in Waltham resulted in little to no property damage in terms of structural damage and no injuries to firefighters or civilians,” said Lt. Mike Murphy, the Fire Department’s public information officer.
The region’s dry conditions increase both the chances of brush fires and the number of occurrences of such fires this fall.
“The state is still under red flag conditions with severe fire risk throughout the state,” Murphy said. “The state fire marshal and local fire chiefs want to remind everyone that outdoor burning is currently prohibited. In Waltham outdoor burning is prohibited year-round. Most of the fires that have occurred and those that are currently still burning in the state are mostly attributed to the extremely dry weather conditions and lack of meaningful precipitation.”
He said the following fire-prevention strategies should be followed during this period of severe fire risk:
• Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out. Never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
Waltham Fire Chief Randy Mullin also stressed the need for residents to report any fires quickly.
“The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” Mullin said. “If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community.”
If you value stories like this, please support The Waltham Times through a tax-deductible gift.