North Adams Firefighters Douse Brush Fire; Warn of Dry Conditions

The fire was in a hilly area off River Street.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Firefighters wrangled a small brush fire on the hill between Parker Street and the Porches early Thursday evening.

Lt. Michael Goodson said firefighters closed off the blaze and knocked down the approximately 1,000 square feet of fire.

"We knocked the parameter down around it," Goodson said. "It was hard because of the thick brush and steep terrain but we got it knocked down pretty quick ... we had it under control in maybe less than 10 minutes."

The fire was called in shortly before 6 p.m. and smoke could be seen from Marshall Street. The area affected was a brushy hillside surrounded by narrow Parker that runs between Houghton and North streets, Veazie Street, the Porches Inn property and the steep bankings on the edge of Bracewell Park.

The cause of the fire was not yet known but the police are investigating, Goodson said.

Scanner reports indicated that some children were being questioned about the fire.

Goodson said the small blaze wasn't helped by the dry conditions and urged residents not to burn at this time.

"Right now it is super dry and the state is not allowing any burning because of the dry weather conditions," he said. "Hopefully, people will listen."

Firefighters expelled nearly 1,200 gallons of water from a firetruck parked at the staging area. A second truck was on scene to supply extra water. Firefighters also used indian pumps to extinguish the flames.  

North Adams Ambulance was on scene for support, however, there was no injuries or damage.