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Source: fire.airnow.gov. This Fire and Smoke Map shows fire detections (orange dots) within Blue Hills Reservation in Milton.
11-19-2024 8:54pm
In Critical Drought, 40-Acre Brush Fire Burning in Blue Hills Reservation in Town of Milton (Updated)
Darlene Cancell
Editor
On Tuesday, November 19th, Canton Fire Department responded to a 40-acre brush fire burning in Blue Hills Reservation in the Town of Milton, and Massachusetts officials declared Level 3 - Critical Drought condition for almost all of the Commonwealth, except for the Cape and Islands region.
Tuesday’s 40-acre fire is a continuation of a fire that has been burning at least since Monday, November 18th. On both days, Canton Fire assisted with a response to the brush fire. The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Fire Control team, along with Milton Fire Department are coordinating to control the fire.
“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who elevated the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions of Massachusetts (which includes the Westwood area) to Level 3 - Critical Drought.
That elevated condition level requires, among other things, bans on outdoor burning, the communication of water use restrictions, and coordination among municipal, state, and federal agencies. About 200 cities and towns in Massachusetts have implemented temporary outdoor fire bans. The Town of Westwood has extended the end date of its outdoor fire ban from November 15th to November 22nd. (Westwood Minute notes that a period of rain is predicted in the Westwood area from November 21st to November 23rd.)
Over the past 30 days, most of the state has received less than an inch of rain (3 to 4.5 inches below normal) and the rainfall deficit since August is 8 to 11 inches, say state officials. They note that groundwater levels are falling quickly in all regions, and many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year.
As of Tuesday, November 19th, there are about 37 active wildfires in Massachusetts.
"Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the state since October 1, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in an entire year. As firefighting efforts demand significant water resources, it's crucial for residents to practice aggressive indoor water conservation to maintain sufficient supply and pressure in public water systems," says a joint press release by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Drought Management Task Force, DCR, and Department of Fire Services.
“We’re reminding all residents to follow the state and municipal guidance on fire protection because in the current drought conditions any outdoor fire is likely to catch, spread, and threaten people and property," said State Fire Marshal Jon. M. Davine. "Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is one who can’t respond to a house fire, car crash, or medical emergency," he said.
The 40-acre fire in Milton's Blue Hills Reservation prompted DCR to temporarily close Hillside Street within the reservation for emergency crew staging and public safety, DCR announced on the social media platform, X on Tuesday. Two days later, on Thursday afternoon, DCR announced the reopening of the road, although certain trails are closed.
Parts of the park that are still open as of Thursday, November 21st include: Ponkapoag Pond, Great Blue Hill near the Trailside Museum and Eliot Tower, as well as areas around Chickatawbut Overlook and St Moritz near the Shea Rink.
Updated 11/21/2024 at 9:42 p.m. Park and road openings/closures have been updated.
