AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – The snow is slowly but surely melting away and we’re starting to see more and more bare ground.
It has been fairly dry lately and with low humidity, along with dead grass and leaves from last year, that is creating conditions that are right for brush fires. In fact, April, which starts in just a few days, is usually the worst month of the year for brush fires.
On Wednesday, a brush fire off of Wilbraham Road in Monson spread quickly because of the strong gusty winds.
Related: Brush fire stopped before it hit houses in Monson
Related: Burn period unlikely to be extended
In Massachusetts, the open burning season runs from January 15 through May 1, but a number of communities in western Massachusetts do not allow open burning at all. Burning is not allowed in Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield or West Springfield.
In towns where it is allowed, such as Agawam, you need to get a permit, and there are rules that go with that.
“To get a burning permit, you have to call everyday to see if we’re issuing permits for the day. If we’re issuing permits, you can start burning until 10 a.m. The fire has to be out by 4 p.m. You have to have a water source readily available. You can’t burn within 75 feet of your residence, and you have to keep the pile small and manageable,” Agawam Deputy Fire Chief BJ Calvi said.
If a brush fire does get out of control, immediately call the fire department.
Click here for more information about open burning in Massachusetts.