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.
Chief Fire Warden David Celino and Public Information Officer Ryan Brown said the cause was most likely human as there are no utilities in the area where the fire began and no incidents of lightning. Communities across the state have imposed burning bans to prevent the dry tinder from igniting.
It was then estimated to cover more than 100 acres and required a response of more than 80 personnel since being reported Monday. The town has confirmed that flames spread to Sheffield.
"This is a multi-agency effort utilizing a unified command and involving local, state and federal agencies and is involving forest in Great Barrington and Sheffield," the Wednesday update reads.
The town clarified that "much of the information on social media is false." Ski Butternut is not burning and there have not been any evacuations at this time.
"The name of the fire is the Butternut Fire — Butternut is NOT on fire."
The ski resort activated its snowmaking system on Tuesday to saturate the area with water and mitigate fire risk. National Guard helicopters used its snowmaking pond to fill airlifted buckets with water and douse the flames.
"We are currently coordinating with multiple fire departments that have been dispatched to the area to ensure that they have access to the mountain and to water sources," Ski Butternut wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
"We can't express enough gratitude to these dedicated professionals for all their efforts. We are continuing to run our snowmaking system to saturate the hill with water and prevent the spread of fire. As of 11 AM our staff is safe and there has been no damage to the ski area."
The smoke is said to have become heavier due to cooler air preventing it from floating away from the area. In a Facebook post, the Fire Department explained that while smoke is "organic" in nature, it may be a concern for those with respiratory illness or other conditions. It's been reported that smoke is now blowing north over Lenox.
Those who are concerned about the smoke are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke can make allergies worse and cause respiratory infections, especially for people with heart disease, asthma, and other lung diseases, the department said.
More information on wildfire smoke safety tips can be found on Mass.gov and the Department of Environmental Protection posts current air quality forecasts.
The region has been in a state of drought and under red flag conditions for high risk of fire. The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., is predicting one to 2 inches of rain will fall over the region on Thursday, with the possibility of a mix of rain and snow through Saturday.
"The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. We are beyond appreciative," the town wrote on Wednesday.
"Our immediate needs for those that are wishing to pitch in is for packaged food, fruit, water, and Gatorade. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any homemade or prepared food."
Food and monetary donations can be brought to the Claire Teague Senior Center Center at 917 Main St.
Community members are asked not to enter the woods and try to help, as this is a dangerous and complex situation. Because of safety, accountability, and insurance purposes, the town cannot enlist untrained volunteers to help.
Residents and those who work in Great Barrington are urged to sign up for the CodeRED emergency notification system to stay up to date on the situation.
