Pittsfield Outdoor Fire Ban In Effect Until Further Notice

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to grow, the City of Pittsfield is prohibiting any outdoor fires at least until further notice.

"Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control," said Fire Chief Thomas Sammons. "Please use caution and common sense and refrain from any outdoor activity that could spark a fire."

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through Jan. 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. This order additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided based upon the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts, including Pittsfield, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season.
 
Statewide, fires in October rose 1,200 percent above the historical average, and the 133 fires reported in the first week of November represent more than six times the average for the entire month. Many have damaged homes and other properties. According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power
equipment, and other ignition sources.

Months without meaningful rainfall, abundant dead leaves and vegetation, bright sunshine, and gusty winds make the current and expected weather conditions ripe for a wildfire in every city and town in Massachusetts. At the same time, static water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure to extinguish these fires. Because about 45 percent of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, almost any significant wildfire will threaten residential areas.

"The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it," said Chief Sammons. "If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community."

This notice is in effect until further notice.

 


Tags: drought,   fire safety,   

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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