As severe fire weather persists, Franklin MA extends Outdoor Fire Restrictions

With outdoor fuel sources extremely dry and no meaningful precipitation expected, Franklin Fire Chief James Mclaughlin and municipal leaders are extending restrictions on any outdoor fires at least until Friday, November 22.

"This has been an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts," said Chief McLaughlin. "The current and expected weather conditions mean that any outdoor fire is likely to spread quickly and become difficult to control. ln Franklin, those fires could easily spread to homes and other properties."

 Outdoor Fire Restrictions

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. The local fire restriction additionally restricts the outdoor use of tire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources wider Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials 1he au1hority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. About 200 Massachusetts municipalities have imposed these prohibitions.

Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts. including Franklin, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. While the stale averages 15 to 20 fires a month in October and November each year. Local fire departments have reported more than 500 fires since October 1, 2024. These fires have burned more than 1,500 acres - rivaling average statewide totals for an entire year. Many or these fires have damaged homes and other properties, and they are taxing local and regional firefighting resources.

According to Chief McLaughlin, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources.

Chief McLaughlin recommended the following fire prevention strategies during this period of severe fire risk:

• Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibit statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restric1ions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.

• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overha1,ging branches.

• Use caution, with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.

• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in all metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.

• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette buns, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

"The faster we hear about a fire. the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it." said Chief McLaughlin, "If you see smoke or flames, please call 9ll right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19VmW48oh1/

Town of Franklin: Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process

Find sector-specific guidance

An Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process NEW UPDATES ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021:   Thursday at 1:00 PM, Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Kennealy made several announcements pertaining to the state's reopening process and sector-specific guidance. These include: Phase 3, Step 2:  Effective March 1st, the Commonwealth will move forward into Phase 3, Step 2. This will reopen: Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces Open at 50% capacity with 500 person max Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact: laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses Open at 50% capacity Updated Capacity Limits:  Effective March 1st the following industries will increase to 50% capacity. Employees will be exempt from capacity restrictions in all of these industries: Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses Close Contact Personal Services Driving and Flight Schools Fitness Centers and Health Clubs Golf Facilities (indoor) Libraries Operators of Lodging (common spaces) Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours Office Spaces Places of Worship Sectors not Otherwise Addressed Theaters and Performance Venues Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators etc. The following industries remain unaffected by capacity limits:  Drive-in movie theaters  Construction  Laboratories  Manufacturing Additional Guidance Changes: Effective March 1st, Restaurants will no longer be subject to a % seated capacity limit and their capacity is limited only by the requirement of 6 feet between tables  Musical performances allowed in restaurants (with appropriate distancing)  90-minute time limit on tables stays in place  Limit of no more than 6 per table stays in place  Food courts remain closed Effective March 1st, Fitting rooms may open in all retail businesses Gatherings Limit:  Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the gatherings limit will increase for event venues and public settings, but will stay the same in private settings: Event Venues and Public Settings: 100 indoor 150 outdoor Private Settings (such as private residences): 10 indoors 25 outdoors Phase 4, Step 1:  Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the Commonwealth will move into Phase 4, Step 1: Indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks will reopen with a 12% capacity limit  A large venue is defined as having a capacity of 5,000 or more  Venues with capacity under 5,000 are subject to the Indoor and Outdoor Performance Venue guidance Large venues will be required to submit a safety plan to the Department of Public Health Overnight Camps will be allowed to open for Summer 2021 Exhibition and Convention Halls may reopen, subject to gathering limits and event rules Dance floors may open at weddings and events only All other Phase 4 industries will not be able to open until a future reopening step. Those include: Road races, street festivals, and parades, and fairs Amusement parks, theme parks, outdoor water parks Indoor water parks and indoor/outdoor ball pits Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs, and other facilities Beer gardens/ breweries/ wineries/ distilleries Bars, dance clubs, and nightclubs—venues offering entertainment, beverages, or dancing and not providing seated food service Updated guidance can be found at www.mass.gov/reopening. This information is posted on our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources Town of Franklin | www.franklinma.gov   ‌

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Boston Globe: "Baker to increase the capacity limit on restaurants, gyms, other businesses to 40% starting Monday"

 

"Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Baker administration is increasing the temporary capacity limits for a variety of businesses such as stores, gyms, and restaurants.

The state Department of Public Health informed cities and towns on Thursday that the 25-percent capacity restrictions, put in place after Christmas, would be increased to 40 percent on Monday because of recent improvements in COVID-19 data. The change includes an increase in allowed office capacity, to 40 percent, though few offices will fill to that level anytime soon with so many people still working out of their homes.

“We know that these restrictions have been and continue to be enormously difficult for large and small businesses, their employees, and for individuals everywhere,” Governor Charlie Baker said during an afternoon briefing Thursday. “But we’re making progress in this battle against COVID and everyone’s hard work and preparation is now making it possible for us to continue to step back to what we might call a new normal.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/04/business/baker-increase-capacity-limit-restaurants-gyms-other-businesses-40-percent-starting-monday/

 

CommonWealth Magazine coverage:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-loosens-capacity-restrictions/

 

Gov Baker's press conference  https://youtu.be/CmbZynV4s98

 

Franklin has dropped down to Yellow (from Red) for the first time since December

https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-february-4-2021/download

 

 

Franklin has dropped down to Yellow (from Red) for the first time since December

 

"Most businesses restricted to 25 percent capacity for at least 2 weeks in ‘critical period’"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced the toughest set of coronavirus-related restrictions since June, clamping down on the number of people allowed inside restaurants, groceries, and other public gathering spots in an attempt to stave off another holiday surge.

Capacity limits for most businesses will be lowered to 25 percent beginning Saturday and will remain restricted for at least two weeks, Baker said, prompting pushback from some who said companies may not survive another hit to their bottom lines."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/22/metro/gov-baker-announces-new-temporary-restrictions-gatherings-businesses/

Gov Baker's press conference video https://youtu.be/2TaRgI-x-z0

Additional info can be found on the COVID-19 page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information

"We also want to keep this virus out of our communities"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker is indefinitely postponing the next step of the state’s reopening in response to the uptick in COVID-19 cases that Massachusetts has seen in recent weeks.

The governor said the second step of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan will be put on hold and the outdoor gathering limit will decrease from 100 to 50, effective Tuesday. He said he was authorizing all state and local police to enforce the orders, and that people who host events — even on private property — that exceed gathering limits will be subject to fines.

Amid reports of large parties and unauthorized gatherings, Baker said “some residents feel a bit too relaxed about the seriousness of this virus.”

He also announced the creation of a COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will ramp up enforcement efforts and coordinate intervention efforts in yet-to-be-named high-risk communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200807/baker-orders-new-enforcement-gathering-size-limit-to-fight-virus-spread/1?rssfeed=true

Video link = https://youtu.be/kCGEj58c2hM

DLS Alert: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Open meeting law regulations modified to allow public meeting to continue during this pandemic period

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State's Open Meeting Law The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state's open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access. Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings. Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means. This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker's declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA

"I think people are realizing the value of water”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It’s the season of outdoor water restrictions in Massachusetts.

But are you really going to get slapped with a fine – or even have your water shut off – if you set up a sprinkler on the wrong day of the week, as many local bylaws threaten?

According to Department of Public Works directors and data from about a dozen cities and towns in the Milford area and MetroWest, maybe, but it doesn’t happen often.

“Do you really think I want to be the water police? Absolutely not,” Franklin Director of Public Works Robert Cantoreggi said. “I look at it more as a public education type of thing.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190722/do-you-really-need-to-heed-local-water-restrictions

 

"I think people are realizing the value of water”

Attention Franklin Residents: [DPW] water ban effective immediately

Due to a fire at treatment plant the following is in effect:

The following water uses are NOT allowed:

• Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.

The following water uses are allowed:

• Watering gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose

Violators may be fined up to $200.00

Attention Franklin Residents: [DPW] water ban effective immediately

"Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users"

§ 179-1 Authority.

This article is adopted by the Town of Franklin under its police powers to protect public health, safety and welfare and implements the Town's authority to regulate, limit and prohibit water use. This article also implements the Town's authority under M.G.L. c. 40, § 41A, conditioned upon a declaration of Water Supply Emergency issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

§ 179-2 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to protect, preserve and maintain the public health, safety and welfare whenever there is in force a State of Water Supply Conservation or Water Ban by providing for enforcement of any duly imposed prohibitions, restrictions, requirements, provisions or conditions imposed by the Town or by the Department of Environmental Protection.

§ 179-3 Application and Exemptions.

Water Supply Conservation measures apply to public water supply users only. Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users.

Commercial agricultural users and golf courses shall be exempt from all provisions of this article. The Town of Franklin is exempt from all provisions of this article to extent required to protect public assets.



Continue reading the proposal to change the water restrictions to include private wells




You can also find this document as part of the Town Council agenda for Feb15,2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/discussion_-_water_use_restrictions.pdf

Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed

MBTA: Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice - bicycle restrictions for Monday, Apr 18

Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice: Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 18, 2016.

Last updated: Apr 15 2016 02:35 PM

Franklin Line approaching Franklin/Dean Station

Franklin, MA: MANDATORY WATER BAN

MANDATORY WATER BAN MEASURES
TAKE EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010

NO OUTDOOR WATER USE IS PERMITTED AT THIS TIME, EXCEPT HAND WATERING OF GARDENS.

These water ban measures are needed to limit the demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption use.

~Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.

This ban will be effective until further notice.


This was originally posted to the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/015A8D86-000F8513

Sign restrictions

The chain link fence along the bridge over the railroad tracks has been a frequent posting spot of announcements for local activities. No longer to be used this way according to the notice there now:




Since this is a state sponsored sign, I guess this is allowed: