LYNN — The brush fires at the Lynn Woods, which have burned approximately 86 acres of land over the course of just under a week, are 80 percent contained, fire officials said.
Since last Wednesday, local and state firefighters have used a drone, ATVs, and specialized portable water pumps to attempt to extinguish the four fires ripping through the Lynn Woods Reservation.
District Fire Chief Joseph Zukas said that because the fires are spreading underground through the trees’ root systems, they will likely continue to burn until the area gets some significant rain.
“Lynn Woods fires are approximately 80 percent contained and we have had an engine all day fighting the fires and will continue until it gets dark,” Zukas said Tuesday afternoon. “Approximately 86 acres have been burned so far. These fires will most likely continue to smolder until we get significant rain. Much of the difficulty is because these fires go underground and follow root systems.”
Zukas said that although the Lynn Woods fires do not currently endanger nearby homes, there is a chance that fire-damaged foliage could fall down.
“The Lynn Woods fires are not endangering any homes or property. The one danger to the public could be the trees that have been damaged by fire that could fall down. The city agencies are assessing this situation and the Lynn DPW is taking these trees down as needed,” Zukas said. “The state DCR has issued a temporary ban on all outside fires in wooded areas in the state. The public is reminded to be careful when smoking cigarettes and not to dispose of cigarettes carelessly.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at anthony@itemlive.com.
