EASTHAMPTON, Mass. — Easthampton Fire Chief Chris Norris said the dry weather conditions over the past month have lead to a significant increase in brush fires across the state.

"Looking at the statistics over the last week," said Norris. "There's been 147 brushfires here in Massachusetts over that time period and then here in Easthampton we've had three brushfires over the last week as well."

Norris said the three brushfires in Easthampton over the last week in particular were caused by cigarette butts.

He said the dry weather has an impact on the grass and leaves as well, and urges residents to avoid outdoor campfires as well as grill use or outdoor fireplaces because those devices can produce sparks which could also lead to brushfires.

"Any heat source," he said. "Whether it's a cigarette butt. Whether it's heat from a leafblower or lawnmower we ask people until we get some sort of precipitation to wet the ground all over just to be extra cautious."

Norris said residents should also be aware of open burning restrictions this time of year.

"Open burning season here in the state of Massachusetts is from Jan. 15 to May 1," he said. "So, in terms of open burning there should be no open burning."

Norris said the brushfires of late have resulted in statewide action to address the issue.

"They actually have activated the statewide task force mobilization plan," he said. "And essentially that brings in mutual aid to these communities that have the larger fires. Most of the large fires are out in the central and eastern part of the state."

Norris said as we approach colder weather, people using woodstoves and furnaces should discard their hot ashes in a metal can as opposed to throwing them out.