Gov. Maura Healey on Tuesday urged Massachusetts residents to “use common sense” when it comes to conserving water and not fuel the increased risk of wildfires because winds and severe drought conditions are doing just that.

Healey spoke to reporters in Middleton, in Essex County, where environmental and fire officials were present, about the status of wildfires in Massachusetts.

I saw one last month 1,200% increase in wildfires statewide.

Healey said there were 280 fires in October, instead of the average of 15 typically seen. Healey said November saw a “ten times above average increase in bushfires.”

Dave Celino, fire chief for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, said there have been 261 wildfires so far in November.

“This shows the gravity of the moment we’re in, how extreme the situation is, and the incredible work these men and women have had to do for days to keep our communities safe,” Healey told reporters.

In addition to one New York firefighter killed fighting wildfires in the Empire State, three Massachusetts firefighters were also injured, Healey said.

“I am also here today to speak directly to the public,” he continued. “Just to let the public know that a lot of these fires that we’re seeing are caused by human behavior, okay? Now is not the time to burn the leaves. Now is not the time to go out and light a fire out back and sit around one of our stoves. Just not then.”

He also urged Massachusetts residents to conserve water as drought conditions worsen across the state.

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced last week Western Massachusetts is in a significant drought, while much of Central and Eastern Massachusetts, except Cape Cod, is in a critical drought.

“What that means is I’m asking the public to save water right now because we need water to fight fires,” Healey said. “It’s really important for people to run the dishwasher less frequently, to make sure you only run your washing machine at full capacity. Take shorter showers.”

High winds also fanned the fires; The National Weather Service warned of 35 mph winds in each of its Red Flag Warnings. Healey reiterated this warning and said that “any fire that starts outside is likely to spread rapidly and be very difficult to extinguish.”

“As you can see, current weather conditions present a very challenging situation and we continue to face the risk of severe wildfire in Massachusetts,” Healey said as the wind blew her hair back.

Alongside the outdoor fire ban, Healey urged residents to “keep everyone happy, use common sense and not contribute to creating risk”. No fire pit, no charcoal grill, no burning leaves, nothing that might spark right now. Let’s do it, let’s work to make (firefighters’) job easier.”

State Fire Marshal Jon Davine praised firefighters for their work during an “unprecedented fire season.”

“If you see smoke or fire nearby, call 911 immediately,” Davine said. “The sooner we hear about the fire, the sooner we have a chance to get it under control.”

Celino warned that fire officials and firefighters will become exhausted as they keep up with growing wildfires.

All the fires are man-made, he said, “There was no lightning system in the region in October and November, and this is the natural cause of these fires.”

“If you leave a campfire unattended, there’s no question it’s going to escape under those circumstances; it’s going to impact your town’s firefighters and the state resources you see here,” Celino said.