Middleboro and Lakeville fire officials are reminding the public to be aware of outdoor fire regulations as the area continues to experience low rainfall amounts in recent months.

Both departments have responded to brush fires in recent days.

​​Lakeville Fire was dispatched to a report of a brush fire at a Staples Shore Road home on Nov. 19 and to an illegal burn call Nov. 21 on Pierce Avenue.

Middleboro Fire assisted with the Staples Shore Road call. Lakeville Fire also assisted with a brush fire on Route 140 just over the Taunton line. 

These are just a few of nearly 400 brush fires reported across the state so far in November, according to the state fire marshal’s office. All involved human error. 

With precipitation at an unprecedented low over the last three months, the state recently elevated the southeast region of the state, including Middleboro and Lakeville, to critical drought status. 

Although temperatures have started to fall in recent days, the threat of brush and forest fires has not lessened, the Middleboro Fire Department reports. The region is so dry that Middleboro Fire has seen brush fires started by discarded cigarettes and even the heat from lawnmowers running over leaves in the last few weeks.

The department reminds residents that brush burning is only allowed when weather conditions allow and with a permit from Jan. 15 to May 1. Residents are also asked to refrain from any kind of outside fire pits or cook fires until the area receives substantial rainfall. 

In Lakeville, residents may burn most types of yard waste if they purchase the proper permit and only during the established burn season of Jan. 15 to May 1. 

Burning construction waste, dimensional milled lumber, mattresses, furniture, cardboard, or any other items not classified as natural yard waste (other than leaves) is not allowed at any time.

Brush and forest fires will continue to be an issue for the state until the state receives significant rainfall, officials report.