LYNN — The ongoing brush fires in Lynn Woods Reservation were intentionally set, according to the Department of Fire Services.
Beginning on the afternoon of May 12, “suspicious” fires started over the course of a few days resulted in the burning of 400 acres, according to Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan, Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden David Celino, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.
Investigators from the Lynn Fire Department and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the state fire marshal’s office believe that eight separate fires were started intentionally on May 12, May 13, and May 17.
Officials are now seeking the public’s help in the ongoing investigation. If anyone has information on the incidents, contact the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit at 978-567-3310 or the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9225.
On Tuesday, Lynn Fire said that the fires were contained, but on Wednesday areas near the Pennybrook Road entrance of Lynn Woods began to burn. Fire crews were at the scene for most of the day trying put the flames out.
Public access to the Pennybrook Road area and trails north of Walden Pond is prohibited. The area around the Great Woods Road Path in Lynn Woods is still accessible to the public.
“Any fire can present a hazard, but we saw rapid fire growth threatening numerous homes in our community as a result of these fires,” Sullivan said. “Firefighters from Lynn and our mutual-aid partners worked extraordinarily hard to bring them under control, and we’re extremely fortunate that we had no serious injuries or property damage.”
Forest fires put people, wildlife, and property at risk, Celino said.
“We’re experiencing Red Flag conditions across Massachusetts right now, with high winds, low humidity, and very dry fuel. Outdoor fires will burn rapidly, spread quickly, and produce dangerous fire behavior under these conditions. That puts an enormous strain on firefighters, their departments, and the communities they serve,” Celino said.
