Franklin County, and all of Massachusetts, remains at elevated wildfire risk due to the ongoing drought. Lack of rainfall has made freshly fallen leaves and what is already on the ground extremely dry. Accordingly, per order of the Fire Chief, all outdoor burning, to include campfires, cooking fires, exterior fireplaces (not including wood boilers for home heating), and other outdoor open-flame devices, shall be prohibited until further notice. If you use wood to heat your home, please make sure stove ashes are in a metal can and do not dump them out until ashes are cold to the touch with your hand.
If you see an outside fire, or smell excessive amounts of smoke not believed to be from a home heating source, please report it to authorities immediately.