BOXFORD – Firefighters in Massachusetts are being warned about the danger of falling trees as they continue to fight brush burning in the state.
Sunday night’s wildfire activities briefing from the Department of Conservation & Recreation included a warning about live and dead trees, known as “snag trees,” which pose a risk to firefighters when they burn.
“There are daily reports of near misses and growing concerns about obstacles posing safety risks to firefighters on the fire line,” the message said. “Inform all staff, insist on wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats or helmets, and when in doubt, avoid areas with burning dead snags.”
“Many risks” for firefighters
Earlier this month, New York forest ranger Dariel Vasquez was there killed by a falling tree while helping to fight a fire near the New Jersey border.
Gov. Maura Healey said in Middleton last week that three firefighters in Massachusetts were injured while trying to extinguish fires.
“I appreciate their tremendous effort and sacrifice,” Healey said. “There are a lot of risks associated with this job.”
National Forest Fire in Boxford
Another fire started in the Boxford State Forest overnight, and smoke could be seen from miles away Monday morning. Crews responded to the fire along the Boxford/Middleton/North Andover city line.
CBS Boston
“Residents, please stay out of the woods and surrounding area so they can work,” the town of Boxford wrote on Facebook.
While much of Massachusetts is experiencing serious problems droughtThere were 123 fires last week and 392 this month. According to the latest forecast, there is finally a chance of rain later in the week.
