NAHANT — Due to an excessive number of wildfires, the Town of Nahant announced in a press release that it is officially prohibiting the use of outdoor recreational fireplaces effective immediately.
According to a Nov. 6 press release, the wildfires have currently spread across more than 600 acres of Massachusetts. Nahant Fire Chief, Austin Antrim, asked the community that every resident maintain strict caution whenever they are handling anything that can cause heat, sparks or flames while outside.
“We’ve been very fortunate that we haven’t had to deal with a fire yet,” Antrim said. “We’re just trying to stay proactive, limit the amount of danger for residents, and overall help bring awareness to the issue.”
Antrim also emphasized the importance of proper, responsible disposal of smoking materials. “We’re at the point where tossing a cigarette butt could cause a severe fire,” Antrim said.
“Fighting these fires is beginning to eat away at our resources. Sometimes, it might take days to put these fires out,” Antrim explained.
The Nahant Fire Department issued the following order under the authority of Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.
Antrim expressed his thanks to the community for cooperating during this time.
The outdoor ban came after several large wildfires spawned across Essex County, putting more pressure on emergency services at a time when the conditions of the air quality have been cited as consistently drought, with frequently dry conditions and low humidity. High wind speeds have also been recorded, adding another layer of risks to an already elevated issue.
More specifically, the usage of firepits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces have all been effectively halted until further notice. While not officially prohibited, Nahant Fire Department exercised careful usage of outdoor gas and propane cooking grills during this time.
This also includes any use of beach firepits/bonfires on any town beaches.
Bans on outdoor fireplaces are currently sweeping through Massachusetts. In Millbury late Saturday evening, a poorly-contained brushfire caused the death of Maryanne Audette, 49, who was located in an encampment near Blackstone River Walkway at the time of the fire, according to a press release by the Department of Fire Services.
