LYNN – Massachusetts is under a red flag warning until Friday at 6 p.m. as the state continues to deal with an unprecedented number of wildfires this fall.
According to the state, there have been 167 fires in the past seven days, and 317 in November alone. As of Thursday, 68% of the state was present severe drought, and the latest forecast has no rain in sight.
Where are wildfires burning in Massachusetts?
The latest wildfire activity information from the Department of Conservation & Recreation shows that fires burned 1,000 acres of land in the past week.
Massive DCR
Below is a list of the largest fires currently burning in Massachusetts, and where efforts are being made to contain the flames.
Lynn Woods Fire – 427 hectares
Firefighters reported “heavy smoldering and creeping fire” on Mount Gilead on the Lynn Woods Reservation. The fire is burning 427 hectares and is 20% contained.
Steven Senne/AP
Middleton Pond fire – 242 hectares
The Middleton Fire Department said Thursday that residents can expect more smoke, especially in the Lake and Forest street areas. Crews have been fight fire have been in the area for weeks and are monitoring the perimeter roads to extinguish hot spots and flames.
Cain Hill fire (Salem/Lynn) – 140 hectares
The 400-acre Cain Hill fire is down to 60% and has become even smokier due to weather conditions, fire officials said.
Boxford State Forest Fire (North Andover) – 128 hectares
The Old Forest fire in the Boxford State Forest in North Andover started in late October and was contained to 2.5 acres until it broke through Wednesday amid high winds. The fire is now estimated to be 40% contained and is burning 128 hectares. The state says this fire has “high” growth potential.
The Boxford State Forest is currently closed to the public due to the fires.
Moose Meadow fire (Montgomery) – 60 hectares
Outside Springfield, a 60-acre fire is burning in Moose Meadow in Montgomery. Firefighters are monitoring the flames and do not believe there is any threat to containing them.
Fitzgerald fire (Northampton) – 55 hectares
A 55 hectare fire in Northampton is 85% contained. The fire brigade continues to patrol and monitor the fire.
