We're running a 9.32-inch deficit in Boston. As the drought worsens in New England, our wildfire season is expected to continue into the Fall. New England's fire season is typically during the Spring and into the early summer. Once the vegetation turns green, the fire season typically comes to a close.
Fire fighters have been battling wildfires all summer long - there is plenty of fuel (i.e. dead pine needles, dried brush, etc.) left to burn. As leaves fall off the trees prematurely this fall, that will add to the fuel.
Wildfires are difficult to put out. Fire can travel underground, through the root systems of plants and trees. Firefighters oftentimes have to return to the scene several days after a fire is extinguished because embers can burn underground for days and the fire can rekindle.
It's difficult for local fire departments to fight these fires - most apparatus can't get into the forest. The State Fire Department will often time respond to the scene as mutual aid, because they have the equipment that can cut through brush and get through tight spaces.
As we head into the fall it's tempting to keep warm by a campfire. If that's something you do, make sure it's extinguished and always keep an eye on it.
