N.S. Fire & Rescue bans all outdoor fires amid ‘dangerous’ conditions

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NORTH SMITHFIELD – The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service has announced an immediate ban on all outdoor fires in town amid dangerous conditions and a red flag warning across southern New England.

Fire Chief David Chartier announced the ban on Tuesday, Oct. 29, pointing to the high fire index statewide.

“Outside burning can resume when the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Forestry Division, declares that the daily fire danger index is a class 2 low danger or a class 3 medium danger,” Chartier noted.

The news followed suit with a decision by RIDEM on Monday to issue a similar ban at all state parks, campgrounds, and management areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires.

“This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires,” RIDEM noted in a release. “DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted.”

In Massachusetts, brush fires reportedly burned more than 400 acres in recent days, due in part to dry, windy weather increasing the potential for fire spread. The region has reportedly had less than a quarter of an inch of rain this month, far below the usual 3.79 inches.

Officials noted that the light showers Tuesday evening were not adequate to reduce the risk.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement on Wednesday, Oct. 30, noting that residents of southern New England should use extra caution when handling and disposing of ignition sources.

“The prolonged period of dry weather coupled with a very dry ground will continue to result in elevated fire weather concerns,” noted NWS.

Chartier said North Smithfield residents can call the dispatch center (401) 762-1135 for information on the daily fire danger index.  

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