Massachusetts Battles Surge in Brush Fires

Massachusetts is grappling with a surge in brush fires, with over 113 incidents reported in just one week, resulting in more than 500 acres burned amidst ongoing drought conditions. The state's fire services have linked the majority of these fires to human activity, prompting officials to enforce a statewide prohibition on open burning. In a related incident, Devonte Johnson, a 28-year-old man from Dorchester, was arrested for allegedly setting a brush fire in Milford that damaged local land. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, firefighters contained multiple wildfires, including one threatening structures in Rockaway Township, as the region also faces dry weather with no significant rain forecasted. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for both Massachusetts and New Jersey, emphasizing the heightened fire risk. As conditions remain dry, authorities continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution with outdoor activities that could spark new fires.