Next Weather: WBZ morning forecast for November 19, 2024
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Next Weather: WBZ morning forecast for November 19, 2024
01:42
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MILTON – A new brush fire has developed in the Blue Hills State Reservation, sending smoke into surrounding Massachusetts communities.
The fire near Houghton’s Pond in Milton has burned 41 acres of the popular hiking area, and was only 10% contained as of Monday evening, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation. A smoky smell was reported in towns to the southeast, including Braintree, Brockton and Randolph.
Fire departments from several nearby towns are helping to fight the flames. Canton firefighters in a social media video showed crews performing a controlled “back burn” to keep the main fire from spreading further.
FINAL UPDATE: Units are being released from the brush fire. Tomorrow, Two Brush Fire Task Forces are being sent to Milton. One from Norfolk County, the other from Plymouth County. Here is footage of the “Back Burn” performed at the Blue Hills brush fire. This performed under controlled conditions. It burns back towards where the fire is spreading to and burns the area in between.
Posted by Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 1580 on Monday, November 18, 2024
Red flag warning for Massachusetts
A red flag warning is in effect for all of Massachusetts Tuesday, as the dry weather continues and winds could gust up to 25 mph.
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“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” the National Weather Service said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Some relief is expected Thursday, as the first rain storm to hit the area in weeks could put a dent in the state’s severe drought.
Fires in Massachusetts
In addition to the Blue Hills incident, state fire officials said a new fire in the Boxford State Forest has grown significantly. That fire along Thomas Road in North Andover had spread to 220 acres and was just 10% contained. At this time, no homes are at risk.
The largest brush fire in the state is burning in the Lynn Woods Reservation. The 440-acre fire is 50% contained.
Firefighters are also continuing to patrol the Middleton Pond fire that has burned 242 acres and is 60% contained.
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Neal Riley
Neal J. Riley is a digital producer for CBS Boston. He has been with WBZ-TV since 2014. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Neal is a graduate of Boston University.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The women said they were frightened, but they didn’t show it Wednesday in a Massachusetts courtroom as they watched the teacher who allegedly preyed on them when they were students at the posh Miss Hall’s School plead not guilty to rape.
There is a heavy police presence in a section of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon due to what authorities are describing only as an “ongoing incident.”
“There is currently a heavy police presence on Salem Road due to an ongoing incident,” Tewksbury police said in a social media post just before 1 p.m. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible. Please allow emergency personnel the space they need to respond safely and efficiently”
No further details were released. Police said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
CHELMSFORD, MASS. (WHDH) – A wrong-way driver crashed into another vehicle on I-495 in Chelmsford Tuesday night, shutting down the soundbound lanes in that area, according to Massachusetts State Police and The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
State police said Troopers from the Concord Barracks responded to a two-car crash on I-495 at the Hunt Road overpass shortly before 10 p.m. They said preliminary information indicates the crash happened as a result of a wrong-way driver striking a vehicle traveling in the correct direction.
Chelmsford Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and the driver was taken to the hospital by MedFlight. State police said they suffered life-threatening injuries.
MassDOT said the highway southbound is currently closed at exit 88 due to the crash, and is expected to remain closed for several hours.
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Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes at this time.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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