Salem HS dismissed early as dozens of brush fires smoky skies across state – Boston News, Weather, Sports

SALEM, MASS. (WHDH) – As large brush fires and smoke continue to spread across the region, crews in several communities are trying to extinguish flames growing on the ground and in the skies.

The state fire marshal’s office said there were 47 fires in the state as of Monday morning, including 18 on Sunday.

Affected communities include Salem, Wilmington, Beverly, Canton, Weston and Stoughton.

The largest brush fire in Middleton spread to more than 250 acres; this was four times the magnitude reported the day before.

“Hopefully we’ll get some rain soon to help this situation,” said Wayne Farrin of Middleton. “You know, this is so hard.”

As efforts to contain the fires are expected to continue throughout the day, firefighters in Massachusetts are trying to bring in water Mother Nature doesn’t have, with the help of the National Guard and water-dropping helicopters.

SKY7-HD spotted a U.S. National Guard helicopter dropping 600-gallon buckets of water on the fire in Middleton Monday afternoon. The buckets were refilled at nearby Middleton Pond.

A National Guard helicopter is expected to arrive on Tuesday afternoon in Salem, where schools canceled all outdoor events as the fight against smoke continued for days in the city.

Firefighters worked throughout Saturday night and Sunday morning to extinguish a large brush fire near the Lynn line.

The fire broke out near the Walmart on Highland Avenue, sending a large plume of smoke through the neighborhood.

Crews were seen using ladder trucks to provide water lines to the forest where bushes and trees were burning.

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