Dry conditions sparking brush fire concerns

LYNN, Mass. (WHDH) -- Weather conditions have created the perfect storm so far this season for brush fires, and with Monday’s forecast of more dry and windy weather, fire fighters across the state are keeping an eye for the first signs of any new flare ups.

A brush fire broke out and was quickly contained in Lynn on Sunday afternoon. It was just the latest in what has been a busy week for fire crews.

"These are red flag conditions. We have low humidity, high winds, and the ground's dry," said Chief Dennis Carmody, Lynn Fire Department.

The brush fires were in a remote area in the Lynn woods, and was extremely difficult for crews to get to.

"Saugus had a boat in the water to ferry forestry hose and water pumps over to the other side of the reservoir, and we came from the other side. You're walking a half mile before you even get to it. No driving access at all," Chief Carmody said.

The fires are the result of no rain, combined with low humidity and dead brush left over from the winter.

In just the past few days fire fighters battled brush fires in Pembroke and Wayland. Last week a brush fire burned more than 50 acres in Brimfield, where 30 crews worked to contain the blames.

"Leaves have been dropping year after year. Anything that's died, any trees that are dropped, all the wood, things on the ground, and it's fuel," Chief Carmody said.

Brimfield is still recovering from the tornados that hit western Massachusetts last year. State officials have ordered the removal of trees brought down by those tornadoes from 600 acres of forest in Brimfield, trying to lessen the risk of more fire.

Officials say 9,000 trees have already been removed from those forests.

Unfortunately, based on the forecast for this upcoming week, there's no rain relief in sight. The Boston area is running 6.5 inches below normal for precipitation so far this year.

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