West Stockbridge Daytime Tree Removal Operations

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WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing tree removal operations along Route 41 in West Stockbridge which will require a temporary closure of approximately 1000 feet of the roadway at mile marker 23 on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4:00 a.m. to noon.

During this time, a detour will be in place, directing drivers onto Washington Square, which connects Route 41 to Route 102 and back to Route 41. Police will be on-site to guide the motoring public through the detour.

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.?    

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. 

All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.?     

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Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

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