GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a brush fire that encompassed 1.25 acres Sunday.
At approximately 11:20 a.m., Gloucester firefighters responded to a report of a brush fire in the area of 6 Annisquam Heights.
Firefighters used brooms to sweep the edge of the burning areas and hit hot spots to help cut the fire. A water line was tied to a nearby pond and a second crew followed behind the sweeping process to extinguish the smoldering areas.
Wind conditions presented a challenge as firefighters had to work quickly to keep the fast-moving fire from spreading. Given the speed the fire was burning, had fire crews not been able to efficiently cut off the fire from spreading, it likely would have spread toward the nearby wooded area and presented significant access challenges to fire crews.
The fire encompassed approximately 1.25 acres. Two Gloucester Fire pumps, a Gloucester forestry unit, two forestry units from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Rehab Five were at the scene.
There was no property damage and no injuries as a result of the brush fire. The scene was cleared at approximately 1 p.m.
The exact cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Gloucester Fire Department.
“Given today’s wind conditions, this fast-moving brush fire could very easily have spread much farther than it did,” Chief Smith said. “Our fire crews did an outstanding job extinguishing the fire in a quick and efficient manner, preventing the fire from spreading farther into the nearby wooded areas. I would additionally like to thank the Department of Conservation and Recreation and Rehab Five for their support at the scene.”
Residents are reminded to use caution when using an open flame during adverse weather conditions. Notably dry conditions that are coupled with low humidity and strong winds can very quickly lead to accidental fires. If these conditions are present, residents are reminded to be extra careful with any open flames, to properly dispose of smoking materials and to use extra care with any outdoor cooking fires.
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