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Dry, windy conditions fueling brush fires on North Shore

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff
By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

SAUGUS, Mass. — Dry and windy conditions have been fueling brush fires in two communities on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Smoke was seen for miles Tuesday morning as a large brush fire burned in the woods at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus.

Aerial video showed thick white smoke billowing from the trees in the forestland in the area of Lynn Fells Parkway near Target. Flames could also be seen burning on the ground below.

Motorists traveling along Route 1 in Saugus, as well as Main and Water streets, could see the smoky conditions.

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Saugus brush fire

The brush fire comes amid a red flag warning and fire weather watch that is in effect for much of the state on Tuesday.

The red flag warning and fire weather watch impact Central Middlesex, Eastern Essex, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Northern Bristol, Northern Worcester, Northwest Middlesex, Southeast Middlesex, Southern Bristol, Southern Plymouth, Southern Worcester, Suffolk, Western Essex, Western Franklin, Western Hampden, Western Hampshire, Western Norfolk, and Western Plymouth counties through 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Most of Massachusetts is under a #RedFlag warning today. Dry conditions and gusty winds will result in potentially...

Posted by Massachusetts Department of Fire Services on Tuesday, May 16, 2023

“With the lack of recent rainfall, low humidity, and warm and gusty weather, brush fires can start and spread rapidly,” Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear said.

Firefighters in the nearby city of Lynn have also been battling a stubborn brush fire in the Lynn Woods in recent days.

On Monday, Massachusetts State Police used its airwing to draw water from Walden Pond and make 24 drops along the Lynn-Saugus line.

The Lynn Fire Department reminded residents that all trails in the northern part of Lynn Woods are closed till further notice.

Lynn Fire is currently working with DCR and State Police utilizing helocopter water drops for the Lynn Woods fire. A reminder all trails in the northern part of Lynn Woods are closed till further notice.

Posted by City of Lynn Fire Department on Monday, May 15, 2023

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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