MILTON (CBS) – Spring brings warmer weather, better mood, longer days and almost security from wildfires.
But last week, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation reported 41 wildfires in the state.
The latest was a 16-acre fire Sunday afternoon at the Blue Hills Reserve in Milton.
Fire in the Blue Hills Reserve. (Photo: Parker Harrington)
“While I was out in Milton, trucks just flew everywhere,” said Milton resident Diane Agostino. “When I got out of the car, the smoke was too heavy and I had to get on my N95.”
In the last week of April there were forest fires in Saugus, Rockport, Andover, Ipswich and others.
“Our humidity and our fuels have dried up so much in the last few days that even a cigarette butt thrown out of a car window or a campfire is left unattended, whatever it is, whatever the igniter doesn’t take long to get. this ignition, “said DCR chief firefighter Dave Selino.
Selino said the recent dry weather has allowed the current dry forest bed to serve as fuel for flames.
“All of this is available for burning, and what adds to that is time,” Selino said.
He went on to say that 98 percent of Massachusetts forest fires were man-made.
The other two percent start naturally with lightning.
Rain is expected in the first week of May, which is welcome news for firefighters across the country.
Meanwhile, Selino begs people to be vigilant.
“We also ask the public to have a swivel head and have this extra awareness, especially if they use igniters.
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