State of Emergency Declared in Massachusetts

Five towns in Massachusetts have declared a state of emergency because of fires raging across the region.

Boxford, Middleton, North Reading, North Andover and Danvers announced on Tuesday that their towns will be implementing emergency measures. The measures mean that the towns can implement "extraordinary actions" for public safety, including being able to coordinate services, equipment, supplies and facilities from existing local, regional, statewide, and national departments and offices.

Danvers issued a Level 5 water restriction, meaning that lawn and garden watering with hand-held hoses and cans, not sprinklers and/or irrigation systems, is permitted only from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Swimming pool filling and/or washing of cars is also banned.

The town said: "As a reminder, violations of the Level 5 drought conditions result in a warning letter for the first offense; subsequent violations may result in a $300 fine. We appreciate the cooperation of all residents during this period."

Firefighters work to put out a brush fire on October 29 in Salem, Massachusetts. Five towns in the state have declared a state of emergency because of drought and fires. Steven Senne/Associated Press

Every region in Massachusetts other than Cape Cod and the islands is under at least a Level 3 critical drought condition warning, meaning that within the past month, most of the state received less than an inch of rain, 3 to 4.5 inches below normal for this time of year. Regions affected by the drought have seen 8- to 11-inch rainfall deficits since August.

"Climate change is reshaping our region's weather patterns, resulting in warmer and drier fall and winter seasons," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said.

"Water conservation is more important than ever. We urge municipalities, residents and businesses, including those with private wells, to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts."

As a result of dry conditions throughout the state, the government has implemented a ban on open flames in state parks, and residents are urged to conserve water and be cautious when lighting grills and fires.

Boxford, Middleton, North Reading, North Andover and Danvers currently have total fire bans, meaning that "outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice" across the affected areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Boston posted on Thursday that the state will be receiving some "much needed" rainfall Thursday night and Friday.

The fires are not only affecting Massachusetts but are also raging across other states in New England and tri-state area.

They have been burning since early November and turned deadly when 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, who was battling fires in Greenwood Lake, New York, near the New Jersey border, was killed when a tree fell on him, authorities said.

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