State tracking four brush fires in western Massachusetts
Nov 13, 2024
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - State officials are now providing a detailed breakdown of 15 active fires in our state, including four in western Massachusetts.
Brush fire conditions remain in western Mass.
Since the drought started in November, officials say more than 500 wildfires have burned across our state, razing more than 1,500 acres of land. That's more than half of the fires in our state for the entire year and almost three-quarters of the total acres burned.
The state is tracking 15 fires across the state on Tuesday, and four of those are in western Massachusetts. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) says fires are still burning in Northampton, Monson, Montgomery, and Northfield.
The fire in Northampton started over a week and a half ago and is more than 85 percent contained. The fire on Bradway Road in Monson also started nearly two weeks ago and is 90 percent contained.
In Montgomery, that fire near Moose Meadow is around 60 percent contained and burning around 60 acres right now. In Northfield, the fire started just last week on Crag Mountain, and officials say they saved two buildings and have the blaze more than 50 percent contained.
According to the DCR, almost all fire activity is human-caused, although drought conditions increase the risk. Some of the fires have been traced back to abandoned campfires that were not entirely put out.
As the Red Flag Warning remains in effect, continue to take appropriate safety precautions, avoid burning or cooking anything outdoors, and make sure you dispose of all smoking materials properly. As mentioned, we are still seeing those four active fires in our region.
Local News Headlines
Hampden District Attorney Gulluni to provide updates on decades-old homicide case
Suspect pleads not guilty to Florence shooting
State tracking four brush fires in western Massachusetts
Corvette Club donates $8K to support local veterans
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.