GLOUCESTER — On Monday, Aug. 1, at approximately 10:45 a.m., the Gloucester Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a brush fire on Poles Hill. Upon arrival, firefighters found a large area of brush burning in dry, windy conditions, in an area that was difficult to access.
Firefighters remained at the scene working for the remainder of the day to control the blaze.
Much of the fire was contained by approximately 3:45 p.m. A second and eventually third alarm was struck as firefighters continued to work on preventing flare ups due to dry conditions.
Those efforts are ongoing, as flare ups can occur overnight, however firefighters will be ceasing operations for the evening due to the loss of light. Crews will plan on returning to the scene to resume operations at first light Tuesday, and crews from the Massachusetts Forest Fire Control and Forestry Division will continue assisting with operations while the effort is ongoing.
Light smoke in the area should be expected over the next day or two while crews work to fully clear the scene, however residents are asked that if heavy smoke or fire is seen in the area they call 911 to report it.
The Essex, Danvers, Salem and Hamilton fire departments provided assistance at the scene Monday, as did the Lynn Fire Department drone unit. The Gloucester Police and DPW responded to the scene as well, as did Beauport Ambulance Service.
The Peabody, Manchester and Middleton fire departments provided station coverage.
The fire remains under investigation.
“We would like to thank every neighboring department as well as crews from State Forestry for responding to this challenging scene,” Chief Eric Smith said. “We will continue our efforts over the next few days and ask that residents remain vigilant in monitoring for signs that the fire has restarted in the areas near them. In addition I want to thank all of our dedicated firefighters who worked at this fire or came in and covered the city. It was an outstanding job by all.”
