Northern RI – As weeks without significant rainfall continued this week, the Rhode Island Division of Forest Environment, Wildland Fire Control elevated the fire danger in northern Rhode Island to “extreme,” and noted that light rain in the forecast for Monday, Nov. 11 would not alleviate the problem.
Bans on all outdoor burning remain in place in Burrillville and North Smithfield with the National Weather Service again warning of elevated weather concerns on Friday, Nov. 8.
In a note to emergency personnel throughout the region, Wildland Fire Supervisor Pat MacMeekin said that Providence County is still in “extreme fire danger,” while the rest of the state in high fire danger.
“More rain is in the forecast for late next week, but we will have to wait and see how much materializes,” MacMeeken noted.
“The DEM Fire Program continues to receive reports of fires from around the state,” said MacMeeken. “in the last 12 days, 11 fires have been reported to DEM, with a few more not yet reported.”
The NWS noted that a warning remains in effect due to high winds, low relative humidities, and lack of rain.
East Burrillville Fire District Chief Joe Bertholic said that while there have been no large fires in town in recent days, departments have had to visit several homes to advise against backyard burning. Burrillville firefighters did provide mutual aid at large fires in Cumberland and Uxbridge, Mass. during the past week.
“Don’t burn your leaves,” Bertholic said, noting that the dry leaves covering many yards were adding to the danger, as the ignitable yard waste gathers in piles close to homes and other structures.
Bertholic advised homeowners to limit the danger by bagging the leaves for disposal, particularly in areas close to the house.
Locals should also use caution when handling and disposing of ignition sources.
