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Help to Prevent Outside Fires and Wildfires

Athough we don't have forests or wildlands in our urban area, plan ahead to prevent spread of fire in the city. As part of your spring/early summer clean up, remove dead vegetation & debris from around your properties.

 

As always, be responsible with disposal of smoking materials. Historically, major fires in this city have been started by careless disposal of cigarettes.

 

In 2024, there were 1300 wildfires across Masschusetts. As we know, with our robust Metrofire & MA mutual aid systems, a fire in one community can affect several area fire departments. Let's work together to make 2025 a safer year.

 

For a fire, call 911 or pull the nearest city fire alarm box right away. As we know, a small fire can very rapidly expand & extend to structures, especially in our closely-built urban area.

 

Examples of home safety precautions to prevent spread of ouside fires can be found in this DCR (MA Department of Conservation and Recreation) video Have a "FireWise" Summer.
For more information, go the the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Firewise USA program.

 

The vast majority of the 2024 fire season wildfires across MA were caused by debris pile burning, abandoned campfires, and equipment. Remember that in Cambridge, due to the potential of fire spread in our neighborhoods, outside burning is prohibited.

 

To dispose of yard waste properly, click on the link for Cambridge Public Works Yard Waste Pick Up information.

 

Wildfires

Page was posted on 6/12/2025 9:45 AM
Page was last modified on 6/12/2025 10:22 AM
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