This story was updated on Monday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
NORTH ADAMS — Williamstown Fire Chief Craig A. Pedercini, State Fire Warden David Celino, and North Adams Mayor Thomas W. Bernard said the brush fire in the Clarksburg State Forest has burned about 800 acres and is 60-percent contained. The “East Mountain” fire started burning Friday night in Williamstown in a remote wooded area that is difficult to access. No structures are threatened by the fire. One firefighter was taken to the hospital over the weekend. He is in good condition but remains hospitalized.
Today, Massachusetts National Guard and Massachusetts State Police will conduct air operations including water drops to help contain the fire.
Over 120 firefighters from 19 surrounding towns are working the fire lines today in a difficult and labor-intensive effort to contain the fire. These include Adams Forest Wardens, Bennington (VT) Fire Department, Bennington (VT) Rural Fire Department, Charlemont Fire Department, Clarksburg Fire Department, Florida Fire Department, Franklin County Hand Crew, Hinsdale Fire Department, North Adams Fire Department, Pownal (VT) Fire Department, Pownal Valley (VT) Fire Department, Rowe Fire Department, Richmond Fire Department, Savoy Fire Department, Shaftsbury (VT) Fire Department, Stamford Fire Department, Williamstown Fire Department, Williamstown Forestry,
Atmospheric conditions so far have been helpful and there are no major health threats to nearby populations. The fire will continue to burn for several days as firefighters work to contain it.
Dry leaf litter and surface fuel, combined with low humidity and steep terrain, have resulted in large fire growth over the last two days. The public can expect to see smoke even after it is 100 percent contained. In addition to all the mutual aid firefighters, the state Bureau of Fire Control, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Mass. State Police, and the Mass. National Guard are all assisting.
The Appalachian Trail is impacted by the fire and hikers should stay clear of this area for their own health and safety.
UPDATE: Firefighters, aided by MA National Guard and MA State Police helicopter water drops, brought the fire to 75-percent containment as of late Monday afternoon. The fire is burning in steep, wooded terrain that is difficult to access. Firefighters have been pulled out for the day. Since no structures or people are in danger, it would be dangerous for firefighters to continue working in the dark. They will rest and rehabilitate from this physically taxing work and operations will continue tomorrow morning. The expectation is that they will be able to transition to a patrol and “mop-up” operation, putting out hot spots over the next several days.
The soil itself is fairly moist, so is not burning very deeply, and brooks and streams are serving as natural barriers. People can expect to see smoke overnight and after the fire is contained, but atmospheric conditions are still favorable for preventing any major health impacts or shifts to populated areas.
This is the largest wildland fire in Massachusetts since the April 9, 1999 Tekoa Mountain fire in Russell, which burned 1,100 acres and claimed the life of Russell Deputy Fire Chief John Murphy.
