Cities and towns across Hampshire County are issuing temporary bans on outdoor fires as part of an effort to prevent brush fires, which have razed woodlands across the state at an alarming rate over the past month.

More than 200 brush fires have been reported in Massachusetts over the past month, far more than in previous years where the average number is less than 20 for this time of year. Dry conditions and warm weather, with temperatures continuing to reach more than 70 degrees, have contributed to conditions where even small campfires could lead to a large brush fire, the state’s fire marshal said.

Several municipalities, as part of the effort to combat the fires, have enacted temporary “burn bans” on outdoor burning, with humans often serving as the cause of most fires. In Hampshire County, towns that have enacted such bans include:

Northampton

The city of Northampton announced on Tuesday that it was enacting a citywide ban on outdoor fires, effective immediately and until further notice. In its announcement, the city noted the ongoing brush fire by the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, which has affected more than 55 acres.

“Thankfully, this fire has been contained and we are grateful that no evacuations or direct threats to structures were necessary,” the city reported. “However, dry conditions and strong winds make our entire region highly susceptible to further fires, which could spread rapidly and pose serious risks to our community.”

The ban includes the use of fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and other recreational or open flames not covered under state regulations.

Amherst

The town of Amherst declared an outdoor fire ban on Monday, saying that all outdoor burning or open flame of any kind will no longer be permitted until further notice.

The town also warned that sparks from the exhaust of gasoline lawn mowers and other equipment can spark fires in such conditions, and to exercise caution when operating such equipment.

Hadley

Hadley town officials put out a notice of a fire ban on Friday, preceding the response to the Fitzgerald Lake fire in Northampton. The ban includes controlled burns, lighting or maintaining a fire in the open air. The ban is effective until further notice.

Easthampton

The city of Easthampton has issued a ban on outdoor fires until further notice, according to Easthampton Fire Chief Chris Norris. The city was prompted to do so after an announcement put out by Gov. Maura Healey on Monday urging the prevention of further fires, Norris said.

“So far, we haven’t heard any reports of camp fires or cooking fires in Easthampton,” Norris said. “That shows people here have a good understanding of what’s going on.”

Goshen

The town of Goshen’s burn ban went into effect on Monday and is effective until further notice. It affects all forms of outdoor burning such as cooking fires, fire pits, agricultural burning, and an existing restriction on brush burning and recreational fires.

“It is the fire department’s duty to protect life, property, and the environment of the Town of Goshen,” wrote Goshen Fire Chief Cameron Lacey in a statement announcing the ban. “It is the Fire Chief’s duty to enforce fire code and interpret when it is too dangerous to burn as the authority having jurisdiction over fire protection of the town.”

Cummington

Cummington’s official town website posted on Monday that a ban on outdoor fires would take immediate effect, for the duration of elevated fire weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service, the Department of Conservation, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, or the Massachusetts Fire Marshall’s office.

Plainfield

The town of Plainfield issued a fire ban on Monday, which is effective through Friday, citing the fire weather warnings by the NWS.

South Hadley

The two South Hadley Fire Districts posted on their respective Facebook pages that all outdoor burning permit requests would be denied in order to prevent possible brush fires in the town, following the advice of the state.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.