By Kaylee Gabalis ‘27
As of late, Massachusetts has become categorically ablaze, with more than 13 wild brush fires burning throughout the state. The most intense fires are burning in Salem, Middleton, Lynn, and North Reading, while smaller fires have started in locations such as Georgetown, Bellingham, Braintree, Gloucester, and Rehoboth, among others. These fires are thought to have started in Salem around late October and have continued to spread throughout the state.
Local fire departments have been working tirelessly to try to contain these fires for almost 15 days straight over very rocky and hard-to-access terrain, with little success. While the Salem fires have started to settle down after nearly a three-week battle, new brush fires are sparking up every day. Fueled by persistently dry conditions and strong winds, any small spark has the potential to start a raging fire. Because of this, many county fire departments are urging citizens to be very careful with any fire to prevent further spread. Departments have specifically advised a ban on open yard fires until the dry vegetation in the area is managed, and they are also asking citizens to refrain from burning leaves, outdoor cooking, and heating. Additionally, people are asked to use caution with power equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, as these engines can get hot enough to ignite dry leaves.
Massachusetts has already lost much of its woodlands, with more than 140 acres burned just in Lynn and Salem. Across the state, more than 500 acres have been burned as the fires continue to spread. The smoke from these fires is polluting the air across much of Greater Boston, significantly reducing air quality and posing potential health risks to seniors, people with certain medical conditions, and children. Schools in Salem and other areas heavily affected by the smoke have even closed due to poor air quality and its potential effects on children’s health.
These conditions can be attributed in large part to climate change, which has led to rising temperatures that dry out soils and vegetation, making them more prone to catching fire. To prevent wildfires like these from becoming even more frequent and severe, environmental experts stress the urgent need to address the factors driving climate change. Without immediate action, Massachusetts and other states may continue to experience worsening fire seasons in the years to come.
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