For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 18, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Fire Department Battles Brush Fire

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Grenno reports that the Whitman Fire Department is continuing to battle a brush fire that began yesterday.

On Thursday, Aug. 17, at approximately 3:55 p.m., Whitman Fire received a report of smoke in the area of Indian Trail. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a brush fire burning in a densly wooded area off Edward Drive.

An initial investigation revealed that the fire had been burning for quite some time before the fire department was notified. The fire had burned deep into the ground, making it difficult to fight.

For their safety, Whitman firefighters and assisting Hanson firefighters were pulled from the woods at dark. At that time, the majority of the fire was contained and knocked down.

At approximately 9 a.m. this morning, fire crews returned to the area for another three hours and extinguished the remaining fire which had sparked back up.

“A fire that has burned this deeply into the ground can appear as though it’s completely out, but can ignite again after several hours,” Chief Grenno said. “We are continuing to monitor the area to ensure that flames will not reappear, but with the expected rainfall we are not anticipating any issues and want to ensure the community they are not in any danger.”

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