Massachusetts
Significant drought declared in 10 Massachusetts counties
Ten of Massachusetts’ 14 counties are currently experiencing significant drought conditions, the state’s environmental affairs secretary declared Tuesday.
Barnstable, Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Suffolk and Worcester Counties have all worsened to Level 2 drought conditions, the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs said in a press release. This is the third of five possible drought levels.
Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth Counties also worsened to Level 1-mild drought conditions, the environmental affairs department said. Only Dukes County now remains at Level 0-normal conditions.
Although the spring and early summer months brought much-needed rain, less than normal precipitation over the last three months has quickly moved many regions of the state back into a significant drought, the environmental affairs department said. August was a particularly dry month for Massachusetts, and three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with much of the state receiving 40-80% of normal rainfall.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant during this time and adhere to local water restrictions and practice water conservation,” state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in the release. “We can all do our part to prevent brush and forest fires by exercising caution with outdoor activities like campfires and the safe disposal of smoking materials.”
The state environmental affairs apartment asks that residents and businesses in areas experiencing drought conditions minimize both their indoor and outdoor water usage, fix leaks around their properties and abide by local water usage restrictions. Larger businesses can also help conserve water by undergoing a water audit to identify opportunities to limit its usage.
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Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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