Shout Out To All Firefighters And Agencies Working The East MT. F

An 800-acre brush fire that started late last week is thought to be the largest in the state in more than a decade. Fire officials on Monday said the fire that started in the Clarksburg State Forest on Friday is 75% contained. No structures are threatened and there are no major health threats to neighbors.

A big shout out to over 120 firefighters from the following surrounding towns that have worked to help put out the fire:

Adams Forest Wardens
Bennington (VT) Fire Department
Bennington (VT) Rural Fire Department
Charlemont Fire Department
Clarksburg Fire Department
Florida Fire Department
Franklin County Hand Crew
Hinsdale Fire Department
North Adams Fire Department
Pownal (VT) Fire Department
Pownal Valley (VT) Fire Department
Rowe Fire Department
Richmond Fire Department
Savoy Fire Department
Shaftsbury (VT) Fire Department
Stamford Fire Department
Williamstown Fire Department
Williamstown Forestry
The state Bureau of Fire Control, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts National Guard, and the National Park Service are all also assisting.

Courtesy of Nick Mantello

The Appalachian Trail is being impacted by the fire and hikers are asked to stay clear of the area for their own health and safety.

Also, there has been a wonderful outpouring from the local communities in bringing food and water, coffee, snacks, and such to the firefighters.

Courtesy of Nick Mantello

In a press release put out yesterday at 4:30 p.m.about the East Mountain Fire, Williamstown Fire Chief Craig A. Pedercini, State Fire Warden David Celino and North Adams Mayor Thomas W. Bernard provided an update on the “East Mountain” fire in the Clarksburg State Forest this afternoon.

Firefighters have been working hard, aided by MA National Guard and MA State Police helicopter water drops, to bring the fire to 75% containment as yesterday afternoon.

Courtesy of Nick Mantello

The fire is burning leaf litter and forest debris. The soil itself is fairly moist so it is not burning very deeply, and brooks and streams are serving as natural barriers.

People can expect to see smoke overnight and after it is 100% contained, but the atmospheric conditions are still favorable for preventing any major health impacts or shifts to populated areas.

This is the largest wildland fire in Massachusetts since the April 9, 1999 Tekoa Mountain fire in Russell. It burned 1100 acres and claimed the life of Russell Deputy Fire Chief John Murphy.

The “East Mountain” fire started burning Friday night in Williamstown in a remote wooded area that is difficult to access. No structures are threatened by the fire. One firefighter was taken to the hospital over the weekend. He is in good condition but remains hospitalized.

The Appalachian Trail is impacted by the fire and hikers should stay clear of this area for their own health and safety.

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