Butternut Fire Contained; Conditions Improve
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire is now believed to be contained after burning nearly 1,400 acres on East Mountain.
The Fire Department continues to urge people to stay out of the affected woods, as the chances of getting hurt are high, and not to start outdoor fires.
Public Information Officer Lt. Brian Mead on Saturday morning said there are still hotspots and potential for flareups.
"This area is very unstable. We are expecting that there are going to be tree falling, there are going to be landslides and there are going to be rocks rolling downhill," he said. "It is very steep. The area is slippery. We cannot have anybody in this area."
The fire had not grown as of Friday and crews have dwindled as light rain fell across the region over the past three days. On Friday, the department reported 15 crew members — down from a high of 120 — and identified the involved area as 1,388 acres.
Drones and a crew from Wyoming were walking the perimeter on Saturday and verifying that fire breaks cut into forest are holding, the Fire Department posted. The crew from Wyoming is a Type VI engine crew with "vast knowledge of wildfires" and will be making adjustments and improvements as needed over the next few days, the post read.
The smoke through the town and surrounding areas appears to be minimal. Locations to get KN-95 or N-95 masks can be found at www.southernberkshirehealth.com or by calling Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative at 413-243-5540, Ext. 109. The Bushnell Sage Library will have masks available this weekend on Saturday from 10-2 or Sunday from 2-5. Other mask distribution sites are open during the week.
There is no immediate threat to homes or properties but residents are asked to call 911 if they see fire break out near properties.
"Especially during the day, if you notice flames, please feel free to report them by calling 413-528-0788 – Extension 8. You may be prompted to leave a message – this is OK and no further action is required. In the event that you feel there is immediate danger to a home or property – or if you see fire outside of the known involved area – call 911," the department posted on its Facebook page.
A report of active flames on the northeast side of the involved area on Friday was investigated but the department said this is not unusual and can be expected for the days and weeks to come.
Rains began on Thursday, slowing the fire's growth, and continued into Saturday. Weather conditions are being closely monitored but the area is still "extremely dry" and high winds are expected.
The Fire Department will be requesting aerial infrared scanning from the State Police Air Wing or similar entity once conditions permit.
The community is being thanked for its donations to crews on the scene that allowed them to be properly fed and hydrated over the last several days but the department reported that additional donations are not needed. Those who have already made purchases to donate are encouraged to send them to local food pantries.
The fire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain was first reported Monday evening. On Tuesday, it spread over 100 acres, and on Wednesday, it covered more than 1,100 acres, expanding into Sheffield.
The town also posted information about staying healthy during the fire, including pickup locations for masks.
Tags: wildfire,
