Berkshire County — According to the Great Barrington Fire Department, the Butternut Fire has grown to 1,388 acres as of Friday, November 22.
In a statement on social media, the department reported that “although this actual figure is higher than the estimate given yesterday, there has not been any known growth since yesterday.” On Thursday, November 21, the department reported that the fire was 1,200 acres.
The department reports that there is still no known immediate threat to homes or properties in the area, and the smoke through the area appears to be minimal.
There are 15 crew members currently working on the fire, and there has been a report of active flames on the northeast side of the involved area.
”This is not unusual and can be expected over the days and weeks to come,” the department added.
Residents who notice flames can report it at (413) 528-0788 ext. 8.
Meanwhile, the Southern Berkshire Health Collaborative announced that, due to the poor air quality in the area, masks will be available for Great Barrington and Sheffield residents.
In Great Barrington, protective masks can be picked up at the Town Hall lobby, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the Mason Public Library lobby, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and the Claire Teague Senior Center, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Sheffield, protective masks can be picked up at the Bushnell-Sage Library on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
