Welcome to Martha’s Vineyard (Dukes County) Alerts!
URGENT: Countywide Outdoor Fire Ban in Effect – Protect Our Community
Due to unprecedented wildfire activity and persistent drought conditions across Massachusetts, the Dukes County Fire Chiefs Association has implemented a ban on all outdoor open flames throughout Dukes County, including Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk Islands. This ban is in place effective immediately and will remain until Friday, November 22, 2024, unless extended.
This measure is critical to protecting our community from the elevated risk of wildfire caused by:
- Historically low rainfall,
- Abundant dry vegetation, and
- Gusty winds combined with warm, sunny weather.
Prohibited Activities:
- Use of fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor candles.
- Grilling or cooking outdoors with any open-flame equipment.
- Burning yard waste (prohibited year-round in Massachusetts under 310 CMR 7.07).
Safety Recommendations:
- Clear dry leaves and debris around your property, especially under porches and decks.
- Trim low-hanging branches and clean gutters to reduce fire risk.
- Ensure power equipment and hot engines are cooled and unplugged after use.
Community Responsibility:
Outdoor fires are preventable and almost all recent wildfires in Massachusetts have been caused by human activity. Remember, every preventable fire diverts critical resources from other emergencies, such as house fires, vehicle crashes, or medical responses.
Dukes County Fire Chiefs Urge Caution:
“Conditions are ripe for fires to spread quickly,” said Chief Alex Schaeffer, Edgartown Fire Chief and President of the Dukes County Fire Chiefs Association. “Please help protect our Island by avoiding outdoor activities that could ignite a fire.” West Tisbury Fire Chief Gregory Pachico added, “Even small fires, such as a spark from a piece of equipment, can escalate under these dry and breezy conditions. Refrain from using fire pits and take extra precautions.”
What You Can Do:
- Report smoke or flames immediately by calling 9-1-1.
- Follow the fire ban and help keep our community safe.
This ban will be reassessed based on weather conditions and will remain until there is sufficient rainfall to reduce the wildfire risk. Thank you for your cooperation and vigilance.
For more information, contact your Town's Fire Chief and/or Emergency Management Director.
Dukes County Emergency Management Association
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @DukesCountyEM
Dukes County Emergency Management Association recognizes and honors the many generations of Wôpanâak people who have lived and continue to be sustained in this territory for more than 10,000 years. We acknowledge Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of the land, and the enduring relationship that exists between them and their traditional territories. The land on which we sit is the traditional territory of the Wampanoag Nation. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced occupation of their territory, and we honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous People connected to this land on which we gather.
This measure is critical to protecting our community from the elevated risk of wildfire caused by:
- Historically low rainfall,
- Abundant dry vegetation, and
- Gusty winds combined with warm, sunny weather.
Prohibited Activities:
- Use of fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor candles.
- Grilling or cooking outdoors with any open-flame equipment.
- Burning yard waste (prohibited year-round in Massachusetts under 310 CMR 7.07).
Safety Recommendations:
- Clear dry leaves and debris around your property, especially under porches and decks.
- Trim low-hanging branches and clean gutters to reduce fire risk.
- Ensure power equipment and hot engines are cooled and unplugged after use.
Community Responsibility:
Outdoor fires are preventable and almost all recent wildfires in Massachusetts have been caused by human activity. Remember, every preventable fire diverts critical resources from other emergencies, such as house fires, vehicle crashes, or medical responses.
Dukes County Fire Chiefs Urge Caution:
“Conditions are ripe for fires to spread quickly,” said Chief Alex Schaeffer, Edgartown Fire Chief and President of the Dukes County Fire Chiefs Association. “Please help protect our Island by avoiding outdoor activities that could ignite a fire.” West Tisbury Fire Chief Gregory Pachico added, “Even small fires, such as a spark from a piece of equipment, can escalate under these dry and breezy conditions. Refrain from using fire pits and take extra precautions.”
What You Can Do:
- Report smoke or flames immediately by calling 9-1-1.
- Follow the fire ban and help keep our community safe.
This ban will be reassessed based on weather conditions and will remain until there is sufficient rainfall to reduce the wildfire risk. Thank you for your cooperation and vigilance.
For more information, contact your Town's Fire Chief and/or Emergency Management Director.
Dukes County Emergency Management Association
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @DukesCountyEM
Dukes County Emergency Management Association recognizes and honors the many generations of Wôpanâak people who have lived and continue to be sustained in this territory for more than 10,000 years. We acknowledge Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of the land, and the enduring relationship that exists between them and their traditional territories. The land on which we sit is the traditional territory of the Wampanoag Nation. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced occupation of their territory, and we honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous People connected to this land on which we gather.