Pittsfield Fire Department Fire Conditions

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Pittsfield Fire Department says certain conditions and yard waste can increase the risk of fire.

“There are always concerns. “It’s obviously been a few weeks since we last had heavy rain, and with fall the leaves are now falling,” said Captain Rob Leary. “That increases the risk of a fire spreading, and the more everything dries out, the higher the chances of something getting going and getting further out of control.”

The department says they recently had to put out a lawnmower fire that was fueled by dried leaves.

“The lawnmower caught fire and due to the dry leaves and light wind, it spread from the grass to the leaves of a wooded area and got into some brush and debris out there,” Leary said.

Not only are the leaves a concern, Leary said people should be careful when cooking outside and using a fire near Halloween decorations.

“It’s always great to add that eerie feeling, and that’s scary at this time of year, but to use it appropriately.” Some of the lighter materials, the hay and brush that can be used are a good way to spread fire and are lightweight combustible material that can occur this time of year,” Leary said.