Massachusetts residents are being asked to conserve water because of wildfires, drought
With a drought and wildfires plaguing Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey is telling people to conserve water to help firefighters.
"'Drought conditions and wildfire risks are ongoing. There are steps everyone can take to minimize risk, protect their communities, conserve water and support our firefighters,' Healey said in a release. 'Residents, businesses and facilities should minimize their water use as much as possible, and there should be no outdoor fires at this time. Our firefighters are working hard and making considerable sacrifices to battle these fires on our behalf. Let’s do all we can to avoid making their jobs any harder.'
Here's what to know.
What's the latest on wildfires burning in the state?
"There are about 60 wildfires burning in Massachusetts as of Wednesday, according to National Interagency Fire Center data which tracks wildfires across the United States.
"That's down from Nov. 9 when state fire officials reported 175 #wildfires that continued to be an issue across Massachusetts. Mass Wildlife stated that there were 203 brush fires in Massachusetts during the month of October, which is an increase of about 1,200% over the average. Typically, there are only about 15 brush fires in October.
"On Nov. 10, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) stated, 'Effective immediately and continuing until further notice, the (DCR) has closed Boxford State Forest to visitors in order to fight an active wildfire.' That wildfire burnt 150 acres of land.
How severe is the drought in Massachusetts?
"As of Nov. 7, the Connecticut River Valley's (#Connecticut, #Massachusetts, #NewHampshire, and #Vermont) level was raised to a Level 2 (significant drought). The central and northeast regions of Massachusetts have been raised to a #Level3, which constitutes a '#CriticalDrought.' Cape Cod is considered to be 'abnormally dry' at the moment."
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/news/2024/11/13/massachusetts-wildfires-drought-water-conservation/76250700007/
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