8/16/22 10:45AM
DPW Crews will be starting proactive work today on some trenching and to increase access to the containment area in Woodland Acres (removing stumps that are damaging fire vehicles, addressing tree limbs that are overhanging the fire breaks/path that could allow a flare up to spread). Their work is not likely to cause increased smoke conditions but smoke conditions remain possible.
——
Woodland Acres/Briarwood Forest Fire Update – 8/15/22 7PM
Here is the latest update relating to the brush fire in Woodland Acres/Briarwood:
-The Town will do twice-weekly updates via its official social media accounts and the CodeRED system (email and text only). It will also be posted on the Town webpage, rockportma.gov, under the news section on the homepage. The list of official social media accounts is located on the homepage under the social media tab. This will be supplemented by information that continues to be shared with the Gloucester Times on a regular basis.
-The brush fire continues to smolder above and below ground within the containment area established by the Forest Fire Department and MA State Forestry. A soaking rain is necessary to put this fire out. Again, the fire remains within the containment area at this time. Both aforementioned departments continue to monitor the area multiple times every day, seven days per week.
-The Department of Public Works will be assisting with creating further trenching and material removal around the perimeter as an additional safety measure later this week. The Forest Fire Warden and State Forestry will also be facilitating a team from the National Guard to assist with hand trenching hot spots over the next week within the containment area. The location is not currently recommended by State Forestry for a water drop. Both of these activities will result in increased smoke for a time after the work. We will notify the community once these are scheduled with as much notice as possible.
-Until the fire is out, there will continue to be smoke in the area. Its location and concentration will vary depending on the wind speed and direction.
-The Forest Fire Department and State Forestry will be reaching out to immediate abutters to review ways to make their properties as safe as possible. There are currently no homes at risk; this is a proactive risk management step to provide guidance to abutting homeowners. Again, these homeowners will receive direct contact.
-The Town would like to thank the dedicated members of the Forest Fire, Fire, Ambulance, and Police departments. They have been managing this fire on a daily basis, including multiple call outs each day to address flare-ups and monitor the area. Their service is deeply appreciated by the community. Also many thanks to the State Forestry department for their continued partnership and expertise; they continue to be on-site daily along with Rockport responders.
The next update will take place at the end of the week, barring unforeseen circumstances.
