Massachusetts
Fire risk elevated across Massachusetts as deadly brushfire burns in neighboring state
The National Weather Service says there is an elevated fire risk in Massachusetts as a deadly wildfire continues to burn in Connecticut.
The combination of recent dry weather, gusty winds, and lower humidity makes conditions favorable for wildfire spread today in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, the NWS and National Fire Service said.
“Use caution when handling and disposing of ignition sources,” the NWS warned in a special statement.
Robert Sharkevich, a firefighter with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut died Tuesday after a utility vehicle rolled over onto him Tuesday while he was fighting a brush fire on Lamentation Mountain in the town of Berlin, Governor Ned Lamont announced Wednesday.
Firefighter Robert Sharkevich’s dedication to the safety of our community is nothing less than heroic. My prayers are with his family and colleagues with the Wethersfield Fire Dept. and Hartford Fire Dept. I have directed flags lowered in his honor. 🇺🇸
🔗https://t.co/0w8nOBYnhj pic.twitter.com/nhk0oyhTIG
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 23, 2024
“I am very heartbroken to learn the news of the tragic loss of Firefighter Sharkevich, who died while bravely and courageously responding to the brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin,” Lamont said in a statement. “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic.”
In New Braintree, Massachusetts, the Oakham Fire Department also battled a brushfire on Wednesday and a second one in Holden.
“Conditions are dangerously dry. Please remember no open burning and use caution discarding smoking materials,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation says a fire that broke out at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton on Sunday burned about two acres and is now about 70 percent contained.
The Bay State reminded residents that a permit is required from local fire departments to burn materials, and it’s only allowed from Jan. 15 to May 1. It’s also prohibited in 22 cities and towns include Boston, Worcester, and Lawrence.
The state has also placed patrols in wooded areas where the fire risk is considered high.
Wind gusts in Massachusetts could hit 30 mph on Thursday, fueling an increased possibility for fires, the Boston 25 Weather team said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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Massachusetts
Salem brush fires burn more than 100 acres in northeastern Massachusetts
SALEM – Brush fires in Salem and other parts of northeastern Massachusetts continued to burn Monday morning, with smoke being detected as far south as Boston.
In Salem, more than 100 acres has burned in the brush fires, which started Saturday. The fires have been spreading as tourists converge on Salem for Halloween events downtown.
The fires have not had any impact on the festivities, but the drifting smoke could be smelled from miles away.
Salem, Peabody, Lynn brush fires
Salem Fire Chief Alan Dionne said the flames have been very difficult to put out because the terrain between Salem, Peabody and Lynn is very secluded and rocky.
Several local and state agencies are now using helicopter water drops and drones to identify the heavy burn areas and put out flames.
“It’s a lot of acreage and getting to it is the hardest part,” Dionne told WBZ-TV Sunday. “It’s just one of those fires that’s going to smolder for a long time. And when it smolders overnight and then it gets fresh air and a breeze in the morning and especially if there’s a wind change, then it could flare up again.”
Middleton brush fires
No one has been hurt and there are no reports of any homes or business being damaged in the fires, which are also an issue in Middleton, which is about 10 miles northwest of Salem.
“Both incidents will require lengthy, heavily committed, multi agency operations to be placed under under control,” Northeast Massachusetts Emergency Alerts said in a statement on Facebook.
Brush fires were reported as far south as Rehoboth on Sunday. A firefighter there was brought to the hospital because of the heat, but is expected to be okay, according to WPRI-TV.
Massachusetts
“Shop with a Cop” asks for help serving hundreds of Massachusetts children ahead of holidays
FRAMINGHAM – With less than two months to go before the holiday season, the organizers of “Shop with a Cop” in Massachusetts are looking for donations to support hundreds of children in need.
More applications expected
The annual event pairs Metro West children in financial need with a police officer for a holiday shopping spree. It involves roughly 100 police officers from across the state, as well as appearances from Santa and the Grinch.
Framingham Police Officer Matt Gutwill, who leads the event, said 800 applications are expected this year, with roughly 500 children who will be identified as in need. Right now the event, which is funded by donations to the Framingham Police Association, only has enough money to provide for 125 children.
Gutwill said other charitable organizations have reached out to “Shop with a Cop” to fill in funding gaps during the busy holiday season.
Positive impact on kids and police
The event has run for seven years and has served more than 2,000 children in Metro West, providing them with about $155,000 in gifts, clothing and food. Gutwill said it has a positive impact on children and officers.
“As a police officer, I go to a lot of different calls and I see a lot of different things that are heartbreaking or devastating to us,” said Gutwill. “Seeing a child’s face and how rewarding it is to us to build a relationship with a child that will last for years…that’s huge for us.”
Massachusetts
Playful puppies up for adoption through Massachusetts shelter
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