Northampton fire crews contain brush fire in Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, work to put out blaze that swept through 52 acres

Northampton firefighters, with help from area communities, have contained a brush fire in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area over the weekend that burned 52 acres. Fire officials say the fire has not caused evacuations and poses no threat to other communities.

Northampton firefighters, with help from area communities, have contained a brush fire in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area over the weekend that burned 52 acres. Fire officials say the fire has not caused evacuations and poses no threat to other communities. NORTHAMPTON FIRE RESCUE FACEBOOK

Northampton firefighters, with help from area communities, have contained a brush fire in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area over the weekend that burned 52 acres. Fire officials say the fire has not caused evacuations and poses no threat to other communities.

Northampton firefighters, with help from area communities, have contained a brush fire in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area over the weekend that burned 52 acres. Fire officials say the fire has not caused evacuations and poses no threat to other communities. NORTHAMPTON FIRE RESCUE FACEBOOK

By Staff Report

Published: 11-03-2024 11:16 AM

NORTHAMPTON — A brush fire that began late Friday afternoon burned through 52 acres in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area over the weekend, but fire crews announced Sunday that a fire line established Saturday successfully contained the fire.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Northampton Fire Department said there has been no increase in the size of the fire, and firefighters would spend Sunday focusing on strengthening the containment line and tackling remaining hot spots along the perimeter. The fire is located in the middle of the conservation area running along a valley and swamp area.

Brush fires were also reported in Whately and Monson in recent days, prompting state fire officials to urge residents to continue to urge caution as high outdoor fire risk continues.

The Northampton fire has not caused evacuations, and poses no immediate threat to nearby communities, fire officials said.

“We assure the public that there is currently no threat to structures or residences,” the Fire Department wrote. “Firefighters are working diligently to maintain containment and ensure the safety of the community. We will continue to keep the public informed of developments as they occur.”

The Massachusetts Air National Guard will provide support with aerial water drops, primarily targeting the northern section of the fire, where swampy conditions have hindered access for ground crews.

Approximately 50 firefighters from multiple communities worked to keep the fire contained. “We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to several residents of Coles Meadow Road, who have generously allowed fire crews to utilize their property to support operations and gain access to the fire,” the Fire Department wrote.

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Officials advised the public to exercise caution when traveling on Interstate 91, as current weather conditions may cause smoke to impair visibility.

In Whately, firefighters responded to a reported brush fire on North Street on Saturday morning that started by sparks from a pellet stove vent, spread to the lattice of the porch, and extended into the wall of the balloon frame constructed farmhouse.

Firefighters were on scene within three minutes of the tone, and the first apparatus arrived within 10 minutes of the tone. Smoke conditions reported in the basement and attic. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the building opened up for overhaul.

In Monson, emergency crews have battled a large brush fire for several days in the area of Butler and Bradway roads. Throughout the day Friday, firefighters worked to protect several structures that were endangered by the fire. Fire Chief Brian Harris said in a Facebook post that the fire had burned 43 acres in size and was 90% contained, but will most likely still require several more days of working hot spots.

The fires started just as the National Weather Service issued another “Red Flag” warning statewide, continuing a weather trend that has contributed to an unprecedented spike in outdoor fires across the state.

In Massachusetts, an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October. This year, the month’s total capped at about 200 — an increase of about 1,200% over the average, and higher than the monthly numbers usually seen in the traditional early spring brush fire season. Of these fires, 100 were reported over the last seven days, and preliminary information indicates that all of them started with human activity.

“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 & 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.”

Fire officials are asking residents to remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. They urge people to refrain from outdoor cooking and heating, and use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid, and extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand.

Weather conditions statewide place all Massachusetts communities at elevated risk of brush fires. Many of these fires could spread to or from residential areas. Residents should monitor fire conditions closely and follow instructions from local public safety officials. Ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are enabled on your cellphone. If your community has a local alert system, sign up to receive local warnings.