PHILLIPSTON—Brush fires continue to be an issue after October’s striking increase in blazes.

According to the Department of Fire Services, the state saw a 1,200% increase in the number of fires compared to the average for the month, higher even than what is typically seen in the early spring brush fire season.

Phillipston Fire Chief Jeffrey Parker explained that Phillipston has seen both a small brush fire and a shed fire during the past week. The department has also recently responded to fires in Templeton, Winchendon, Royalston and Warwick.

Phillipston, like the rest of the state, has an outdoor burning ban in place in an effort to decrease the likelihood of brush fires. According to the Athol Fire Department, this ban extends to fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment.

“Because of the drought conditions and lack of rainfall, because of the red flag warning, we’re not allowing any type of outside burning,” Parker said.

Even outdoor sparks can prove dangerous in dry conditions. The Phillipston Fire Department recently saw a fire started by a lawn mower blade striking a rock and creating a spark, Parker explained, adding that residents should be cautious.

Royalston recently saw a brush fire which burned a quater-acre of forest off of Turnpike Road. No one was injured, and the cause is still under investigation.

The state Department of Fire Services is echoing Parker’s warning—residents are encouraged to exercise caution while using outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers and all-terrain vehicles, as hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can cause fires.

Additionally, the state recommends abstaining from outdoor cooking and disposing of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves in a metal can, dousing with water and covering with a tight-fitting lid. Smoking materials should be disposed of in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand.

“More than a quarter of this year’s brush and wildland fires took place in October,” said Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. “They accounted for more than half of the 1,158 acres burned so far this year. The weather conditions and dry surface fuels that have contributed to these fast-moving fires are expected to continue in the days ahead. Any outdoor fire will grow quickly, become difficult to control, and require numerous firefighting resources.”

Parker encouraged residents to call 911 if they see any sign of fire, regardless of if they think it has already gone out.

“If you see anything, don’t wait, please call,” Parker said. “As soon as possible. Even if you think the fire’s extinguished, because a lot of times, they think the fire’s out, and it just rekindles a while later. So, if any type of smoke or fire is seen, please just call us to assist and evaluate.”