By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Franklin County, MA) Dry, windy conditions have led to many brush fires this spring and this past weekend was no exception. The Colrain Fire Department responded to a brush fire caused by a discarded cigarette on Saturday, May 14th. This was their second fire caused by improper disposal of smoking materials in the same week, along with two fires caused by illegal burning, one by cutting with a torch, and at least one other with an undetermined cause. They are cautioning everyone to be careful with open flames of all kinds as this week may also have weather conditions that are favorable for fires.
On Friday, May 13th, there was a second alarm brush fire in Charlemont that was called in by the Massamont Fire Tower at approximately 1:30 p.m. and was resolved with the help of mutual aid by 5 p.m.
Additionally, there have been some serious structure fires including a first alarm bedroom fire in Rowe on Saturday, May 14th around 11:30 p.m.
A large structure fire occurred on Barrett Street in Northampton on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. Heavy smoke and visible flames were seen upon arrival by the Northampton Fire Rescue team. This fire was quickly contained to the first floor of the apartment building, with no damage to the units on either side and no injuries reported. Mutual aid was needed for other simultaneous calls and was provided by South Deerfield Fire District, Whately Fire Department, South County EMS, Hadley Fire Department, Williamsburg Police and Fire Departments, and Easthampton Fire Department.