Crime & Safety

Fire Department Says Dry Heat, Conditions Prompt Red Flag Warning

A red flag warning has been issued for the area because of the potential for fire is extremely high.

A red flag warning was issued for much of central Massachusetts, including Marlborough on Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, this "very warm and generally dry airmass promotes an elevated fire risk today." With dry conditions and gusty winds around 25 miles per hour, this warning has been issued for the Central Middlesex area through 8 p.m., Monday. 

"Everything is drying out, Deputy Chief Stanley Clement of the  told Patch recently. "When the materials are dryer everything ignites easier. You'll see these types of conditions advertised until we get some wet weather." 

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Temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to the low 90s and the lowest humidity was anticipated to occur for Marathon Monday, said NWS.

"Dry weather and gusty winds will result in critical fire weather conditions," said the NWS website. "A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will create an elevated fire spread potential."

Find out what's happening in Marlboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Residents are advised to be very careful when disposing of ignited materials such as cigarettes, as any spark could get quickly out of control. 

Clement added that all burning must be done with the use of a permit and people must use safe practices when doing so. 

The NWS agreed.

"With conditions exceeding critical fire weather thresholds and dry surface fuels, any grass or brush fires that ignite could spread and become out of control rapidly."

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