Wildfire Risk On The Rise In Massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) — Despite the nine feet of snow that blanketed the region this winter, Massachusetts officials are warning dry conditions and high temperatures have increased the risk for wildfires.

Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Carol Sanchez said an improperly extinguished camp fire — like the one that started a brush fire in Clarksburg State Park last week — can easily become a danger to the state's natural habitat.

That fire burned 272 acres and took the efforts of over 65 firefighters from both DCR and local town fire departments. It took crews five days to fully contain the fire.

Sanchez said that since Monday, there have been on average 40 or more wild land fires reported daily in the state.

With no measurable rainfall forecast until next week, those numbers are expected to continue.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.