Gardner Fire Department warns of drought risks despite recent rainfall

The Gardner Fire Department is sounding the alarm on drought conditions, urging residents to exercise extreme caution during the spring brush fire season. Despite recent rain and snow melt, officials stress that Massachusetts remains in a critical drought, with no immediate relief in sight.

"While things seem wet outside right now, we are still in a drought," a department representative stated during the monthly update. The warning comes as the open burning season begins, prompting concerns about potential brush fires similar to those that plagued the region last fall.

Residents are reminded that even with the recent precipitation, the state has not recovered from the significant precipitation deficit experienced last fall. The Gardner Fire Department is particularly concerned about outdoor burning activities during this vulnerable time.

"We want to make sure we don't run into a situation like we saw last fall," the representative emphasized, highlighting the importance of safety measures. As the community engages in spring cleanup, the department urges everyone to remain vigilant and cautious with any outdoor fires to prevent dangerous situations.

With the brush fire season now underway, Gardner officials are committed to keeping the community informed and safe as they navigate these challenging drought conditions.