Brush Fire Shuts Down Train Service Monday Afternoon

A brush fire in the woods behind Endicott College on Monday afternoon have shut down commuter rail service on the Rockport line.

The fire was first reported at about 1:30 p.m. when smoke was seen in the area of Thissell Street and Common Lane. The fire was found in the area known as Witches Woods, between Common Lane and the Endicott College campus.

The best access to the fire for firefighters was along the railroad tracks, so train service was suspended at about 2:20 p.m.

The MBTA said it was busing train riders between the station in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Beverly Depot. Train were experiencing “significant” delays, according to the T. There was no estimate given for when service may resume.

Photo: File photo of a brush fire in Beverly.