Wildfires raged across Essex County as firefighters battled multiple blazes, forcing school evacuations and raising concerns about air quality. Salem, Massachusetts, found itself under siege by a relentless inferno that ignited in Salem Woods over the weekend. Challenging terrain hampered firefighting efforts, necessitating the intervention of National Guard helicopters to combat the flames from above.
Salem Fire Chief Alan Dionne expressed cautious optimism: “We’re hoping what we’ve contained holds, but the situation could change drastically tomorrow depending on wind conditions.”
The acrid smoke from the ongoing fire prompted school officials to prioritize student safety. Salem High School dismissed students early, while those at nearby Horace Mann Laboratory School were transferred to Witchcraft Heights Elementary for parent pick-up.
“The fire was right behind the high school and the library,” student Aaryell Castillo recounted. “They evacuated us because some kids have asthma.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned residents about the unhealthy air quality fueled by the numerous wildfires across the region. The EPA’s Air Quality Index Fire and Smoke Map painted a stark visual of the air pollution gripping the area.
Adding to the regional firefighting effort, Middleton crews tackled a brush fire between Upton Hills Lane and Middleton Pond, assisted by aerial water drops from the Air National Guard.
But these water drops faced unexpected challenges, as Middleton Fire Chief Douglas LeColst explained, “The leaves absorbed the water, falling to the ground and serving as fresh fuel for the fire.”
Residents like homeowner Tina Wedge expressed shock and awe. “It felt surreal,” she said. “You think of California wildfires, never Massachusetts.”
Whipped by the wind, the wildfires spread, with flames engulfing the Cedar Glenn Golf Course in Saugus and burning in a widening circle in Boxford before being extinguished. Smoke traveled for miles, reaching Needham and prompting police alerts.
Statewide, the risk of brush fires remained elevated due to the dry, sunny, and breezy weather conditions.
Despite widespread concern, state fire officials emphasized that many of these fires were preventable and urged residents to exercise caution. They issued reminders about the prohibition on open burning until January in many communities, and encouraged people to avoid outdoor cooking, heating, and using power equipment that could spark in dry conditions.
With the threat still looming, residents were urged to remain vigilant and heed warnings from officials.
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