A North Reading firefighter works to extinguish brush fire that spread from Middleton. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Fire Department) 
North Reading Engine 4 filling up at a hydrant before transporting water to the Dogwood Lane brush fire. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Fire Department) 
Air National Guard assists North Reading Fire extinguish and mitigate the spread of a brush fire. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Fire)
NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats reports that the North Reading Fire Department responded to a brush fire that has spread from Middleton and is currently working to mitigate the flames.
On Sunday, Oct. 27 at about 12:35 p.m., North Reading Fire Engine 6 responded to Upton Hills Lane in Middleton to provide mutual aid for a large ongoing brush fire. North Reading Fire worked with multiple departments in an attempt to contain the rapidly spreading fire.
However, due to extremely dry conditions, the sunsetting crews were unable to contain the fire at sunset and were pulled out of the woods for safety.
On Monday, Oct. 28, North Reading Fire was redeployed to the scene and a survey of the fire indicated that it had spread from Middleton into the area of Dogwood Lane in North Reading.
North Reading Fire immediately responded to Dogwood Lane and began an aggressive attack on the flames to mitigate the damage and keep the fire from spreading even more.
Firefighters have been shuttling water to the scene as the nearest hydrant is located a quarter-mile from the scene.
Crews are working diligently to extinguish the fire on Dogwood Lane and will remain on-scene through Wednesday, Oct. 30, monitoring any hotspots that may occur. Air National Guard helicopters assisted in extinguishing the flames as they dropped water across the affected area. Boxford Fire Department and Townsend Fire Department each supplied a tanker pump to assist with the water shuttle operation on Wednesday.
To view a video of the Air National Guard helicopter in action, click here.
Wilmington Fire Department and Action Ambulance have provided emergency coverage for North Reading while the department combatted the brush fire.
Wildfires and brush fires have been rampant in Massachusetts due to the changing weather and environmental factors. These statewide weather conditions place all Massachusetts communities at an elevated risk for brush fires.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), approximately 126 fires across Massachusetts have burned a combined 548 acres in the last seven days.
North Reading Fire Department would like to share the following safety tips from the Massachusetts DFS with residents and community members as fire conditions across the state should be monitored closely:
- Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches.
- Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
- Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.
- Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. The engines can become hot enough to ignite dry leaves and grass.
- Properly dispose of ashes or coals from fireplaces, wood stoves, or grills in a metal can, douse it with water, and secure it with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and cause a fire.
- Residents and community members should follow instructions from local safety officials.
- As a reminder, open burning is prohibited this time of year. Open burning season is from Jan. 15 through May 1.
For more information about outdoor fire safety, click here.
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