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Officials placed bans on Massachusetts as it faced over 100 brush fires in the last week and an enhanced brushfire risk.

Over 120 brush fires have burned around 450 acres in the state in the last seven days, Jake Wark, the Public Information Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Servicees, told USA TODAY.

The fires come as weather conditions could cause dry foliage, like 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 manage,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said in a statement. “We’re seeing preventable fires growing to dangerous sizes and drawing numerous resources, locally and regionally.”

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

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

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation banned all open flame and charcoal fires in state parks “to prevent wildfires due to drought conditions.” The is effective until further notice.

Map of brush fires in Massachusetts

What is causing 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 are contributing to the brush fires as well.

Dry conditions are expected to continue

Areas in the state received anywhere from a hundredth of an inch to a quarter of an inch on early Wednesday morning, but the amount was not enough to alleviate dry conditions, according to Mensch.

“It’s a brief minute of relief, but I wouldn’t say that it’s going to end any type of fire concerns over the region,” she said.

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

These conditions could continue into the coming weeks.

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

Officials and emergency managers “really want to stay vigilant” on Friday, as winds pick up in Massachusetts, Mensch said. The state will see wind gusts of around 30 mph, which could contribute to increasing a fire’s size.

Brush fire kills Massachusetts woman

A small brush fire turned deadly Saturday night in Millbury, Massachusetts, around 50 miles southwest of Boston, while the state was under a red flag warning, according to the Department of Fire Services. It is believed to have originated in an encampment.

Maryann Audette, 49, was found dead at the scene of the fire, reported Telegram and Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network. A GoFundMe was created to help fund 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 outdoor burning for the time being,” said Mensch. “Try to avoid any type of things that could produce a spark, and if you see a fire, report it.”

The Department of Fire Services also asks residents to do the following:

Avoid outdoor cooking.
Use caution while using lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment as their engines can heat up enough to ignite leaves and grass.
To dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves, place them in a metal can, douse them with water and then cover it with a tight-fitting lid
Smoke materials should be extinguished in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand
Do not Toss cigarettes or other smoking materials over a balcony or into dry vegetation or debris. Also, avoid extinguishing/stubbing them on stairs or railings.

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

Contributing: Marco Cartolano Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedInfollow her on x, formerly known as Twitter, instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]