We’re finally expecting some much-needed rain in the forecast Thursday, but we remain dry Wednesday as Massachusetts continues to experience many brush fires statewide.

Our NBC10 Boston weather team says Thursday’s rain won’t eliminate drought conditions in the region but it should calm things down, lowering the fire danger in the coming days. For now, MassWildlife staff are assisting DCR and local fire departments in the ongoing efforts to contain wildfires across the state.

Click here for a map of active fires

There was smoke and haze over the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton Wednesday morning. The reservation is a hotbed of fuel with dry leaves and brush at every turn.

Video from our drone ranger shows the fire is smoldering. It’s about 50% contained.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation says the fix for all of this is simple:

“What we really need is quite a bit of rain over a long duration to really put the fires out in the interior,” said Alex Belote, with DCR fire control.

With a severe drought blanketing the Commonwealth, fire officials are stressing no open burning, no tossing cigarettes, and no additional fuel sources that could exacerbate the multiple fires still burning.

Nearly all of Massachusetts is in a critical drought, with the dry weather fueling wildfires.

People should also take precautions when venturing into the woods, including the following:

• Stay away from active fires. Some may appear out but could still have a fire burning underground. Call 911 to report new fires.
• Extinguish and dispose of smoking materials such as cigarette butts appropriately.
• When visiting wooded areas, park vehicles away from dry grass and leaves and do not block access gates.
• Avoid recently burned areas because of the risk of falling trees weakened by fire.
• If you see or smell smoke, be safe and leave the woods. Fire can move quickly under windy conditions.
• Refrain from any outdoor activity involving open flames. There is a ban on outdoor open burning statewide.

According to MassWildlife, about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near areas at severe wildfire risk, meaning that any significant fire will put people and property in danger. Officials are asking Bay State residents to help reduce the risk sharing tips on water conservation and fire prevention.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities safe during these challenging circumstances,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in a statement last week. “The best way that we can thank the first responders who are battling these fires is to do our part not to contribute to them.”

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Have you ever been so excited for some rain?

As Massachusetts enters the “Critical Drought” status with dozens of wildfires burning across the region, meteorologists are predicting that some “much-welcomed” rain should arrive soon. Even wet snow will be possible in higher elevation spots on Thursday night.

The Bay State desperately needs this precipitation following an unprecedented lack of rain in recent months, triggering this brutal drought and sparking brush fires.

Over the past 30 days, most of the state has received less than an inch of rain, which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal. Many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year.

“Slow-moving frontal system brings overcast and much-welcomed rains Thurs into Fri, which could mix with wet snow at locations above 1,500 ft elevation Thurs night and Fri.,” the National Weather Service’s Boston office wrote in its forecast discussion.

The latest wildfires in the region were reported in Blue Hills Reservation on Tuesday, as firefighters battled the 40-acre blaze.

“The DCR Fire Control team, in coordination with the Milton Fire Department, is actively working to contain the fire and ensure public safety,” the state Department of Conservation and Recreation posted. “DCR urges the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to work safely and to take precautions against smoke.”

As of Tuesday, there were about 37 active wildfires across the state. This year’s fire season has lasted longer because of the dry conditions. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the state since the start of October, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in an entire year.

A “Critical Drought” was declared across most of the state on Tuesday, except for the Cape and Islands regions.

“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement. “Climate change is reshaping our region’s weather patterns, resulting in warmer and drier fall and winter seasons.

“Water conservation is more important than ever,” Tepper added. “We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses — including those with private wells — to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts.”

Originally Published: November 19, 2024 at 4:19 PM EST