As firefighters in Massachusetts grapple with an increase in outdoor fires, a man from Boston has been arrested for allegedly igniting a brush fire outside the city over the weekend.

Devonte Johnson, 28, a resident of Dorchester, was apprehended on Saturday on charges that include setting fire to someone else’s property, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, as well as starting an open fire that harmed trees or land, according to the Milford Police Department.

Investigators say Johnson is responsible for a brush fire that caused damage in a wooded area of Milford, located about 40 miles southwest of Dorchester.

The police have yet to disclose the full extent of the damage caused.

Records from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office indicate that Johnson remained incarcerated on Monday with a bail set at $1,500.

It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation.

Burning Bans Implemented Following Over 100 Brush Fires in a Week

This arrest follows the introduction of burning bans throughout the state, prompted by over 100 brush fires reported during the past week starting in late October. One of these fires resulted in the death of a woman in Millbury, located approximately 15 miles northwest of where Johnson allegedly ignited a fire.

Authorities have not confirmed if Johnson is linked to any other brush fires.

YSL News has inquired with the Milford police for further information.

Jake Wark, a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, explained to YSL News that the recent fires have been exacerbated by weather conditions conducive to igniting leaves and dry vegetation, or intensifying ongoing fires.

Current Acreage Burning in Massachusetts

As of late Sunday, Wark reported to YSL News that there have been 87 brush and wildland fires recorded in the past week, burning nearly 483 acres of land.

This count includes four new fires reported within the last 24 hours, according to Wark.

On Monday, state officials continued to alert residents to remain vigilant concerning activities that may produce sparks, flames, or heat outdoors.

“Due to a lack of rain, winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph, the presence of fresh leaf litter, and direct sunlight affecting surface fuels, the risk of outdoor fires remains very high today. Given that approximately 45% of Massachusetts residences are situated in or near wooded areas, any of these fires could pose a danger to people and property,” state officials stated in a press release on Monday.

Locations of Brush Fires in Massachusetts

As of late Monday morning, notable fires include:

• Cain Hill (Salem/Lynn): 140 acres, 50% contained;
• Middleton Pond (Middleton): 188 acres, 70% contained;
• Pappas (Canton): 33 acres, 90% contained;
• Wolcott Hill / Blue Hills Reservation (Milton): 4 acres, 70% contained;
• Curry 24 (Devens): 100 acres, 99% contained;
• Maple Meadow (Wilmington): 10 acres, 70% contained;
• Mt. Laurel (Holden): 6 acres, 95% contained;
• Traders Way (Salem): 15 acres, 50% contained;
• Old Forest Road (North Andover): 5 acres, 50% contained;
• Bradway (Monson): 44 acres, 90% contained;
• Castle Rock (Saugus): 22 acres, 80% contained;
• Pond South (Middleton): 4 acres, 60% contained;
• Fitzgerald (Northampton): 55 acres, 85% contained;
• Moose Meadow (Montgomery): 60 acres, 20% contained;
• Howe (Spencer): 9 acres, 80% contained.

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Brush Fire Claims Life in Millbury

Recently, a small brush fire tragically took the life of a 49-year-old woman in Millbury, Massachusetts, situated around 50 miles southwest of Boston. The fire is believed to have started at an encampment.

Maryann Audette was discovered deceased at the fire scene, as reported by Telegram and Gazette, part of the YSL News Network. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with her funeral expenses.

“During this unprecedented fall fire season, I urge all residents to safeguard themselves, their neighbors, and their communities by refraining from any outdoor activities that may involve open flames, sparks, embers, or other heat sources,” stated Governor Maura Healey in a message shared with YSL News on Monday. “I would also like to express my gratitude to the firefighters who have tirelessly fought these fires, often for extended periods, while away from their families. Their dedication has been remarkable.”

Tips to Prevent Brush Fires

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services suggests the following precautions to evade starting a brush fire:

• • • • • Refrain from cooking outdoors;
        • Exercise caution when using lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power tools, as their engines can reach temperatures that may ignite leaves and grass;
        • Carefully dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves.
      • To safely dispose of smoking materials, place them in a metal container, soak them with water, and securely seal it with a lid;
      • Put out smoking items in a durable ashtray;
      • Never toss cigarettes or other smoking items from a balcony or into trees and debris.Officials have announced that open burning is banned throughout the state until January.