Essex County was one of 12 Massachusetts counties under a red flag warning Wednesday as an elevated risk for fires continued in the state.
“No outdoor burning is permitted!” Andover Fire Rescue warned in a Facebook post. “Please use extreme caution when doing any outdoor activities that pose a fire risk, such as cigarette smoking, hot work, or any use of chainsaws or other equipment.”
The no burning dictate includes outdoor fire pits and chimneys.
There is no rain in the local forecast until at least Monday. The red flag warning, which is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday, comes on a day when forecasters are calling for winds of 5 to 15 MPH with gusts up to 30 MPH and relative humidity of 52 percent.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the National Weather Service said when it declared the warning early Wednesday morning.