Groveland Fire Department Issues Warning about Brush Fires

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Fire Department Issues Warning about Brush Fires

GROVELAND — Chief Robert Lay is warning the community about the risk of brush fires after assisting other local fire departments in putting out brush fires over the last few weeks.

“This is the time of year where we typically see an increase in brush fires and wildfires,” Chief Lay said. “It’s tough this time of year due to the dry conditions and brush fires are popping up everywhere.  The support among local fire departments is important, and I am proud we are able to be a part of that.”

On May 7 the Groveland Fire Department provided mutual aid to battle a forest fire from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hilldale Ave area of Haverhill along with other departments from as far away as Topsfield.

Groveland provided further assistance to put out a brush fire in the King’s Point area in Boxford on May 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and returned the next morning, from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m., when the fire rekindled.

Due to the increasingly warm weather, vegetation has been extremely dry, increasing the danger of brush fires.  Chief Lay recommends the following safety tips to prevent brush, grass, and forest fires from the National Fire Protection Association:

General:

• Place cigarette butts in metal containers, do not throw them on the ground or into vegetation.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals, do not use consumer fireworks.
• Reduce the risk of sparks by making sure nothing is dragging from your vehicle, keeping tires properly inflated, and use care when operating lawn mowers or other equipment.
• Don’t let a target shooting hobby start a wildfire.  Avoid steel bullets outside as they can spark if they hit rocks or other hard objects.  Observe all laws and restrictions about where, when, and what to shoot.

Outdoor Burning:

•  Be aware of and comply with any local ordinances or permit requirements pertaining to outdoor or open air burning.  This includes campfires, brush fires, fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces.  
• Closely attend all outdoor fires and be sure to put out the fire completely before leaving.
• Avoid burning on windy, dry days.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.

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