Andover Bans Outside Burning Due to 'Red Flag Warning'

The National Weather Service has placed Andover, and much of southern New England, under a "red flag warning" today, meaning critical fire weather conditions are either occuring now, or will shortly.

Andover went a step further and banned all outside burning in town. When the NWS declares a red flag warning, Andover fire chief Michael Mansfield said that he often bans burning until it is lifted to be on the safe side.

He banned outside burning yesterday as well, and said that he will not know until later tonight whether the ban will be lifted for tomorrow.

The combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will create an elevated fire spread potential, the NWS said in an alert.

The red flag warning will remain in effect through 7 p.m. this evening. With sustained northwest winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour, and gusts up to 30 miles per hour, any fires that develop will have the potential to spread rapidly. 

Outdoor burning is allowed in North Andover but not reccomended. Outdoor burning has also been banned in Haverhill.