Effective immediately and until further notice: The ban on open burning and outside fires in the Town of Orleans has been extended, per order of Fire Chief Deering. This ban includes fires associated with fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment that are not specifically covered under 310 CMR 7.07 (Open Burning Regulation). The ban is due to unprecedented weather conditions that are expected to last through at least 11/22/24. The lack of rain, low humidity, and wind conditions create conditions for rapid spread of wildfire.

In addition to the ban, residents are advised to:

• Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
• Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash. 
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris. 

Please click here to read a full message from Fire Chief Deering.