Boxford State Forest Fire Scorches Over 500 Acres: Fire Officials

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — A wildfire at Boxford State Forest has spread to 513 acres across three towns, according to the North Andover Fire Department.

The fire has scorched 186 acres in North Andover, 204 acres in Boxford, and 150 acres in Middleton.

This fire is in a different part of the Boxford State Forest than last week’s blaze, according to fire officials. Boxford State Forest remains closed to the public.

State Department of Conservation and Recreation members began back burns in areas of rough terrain Tuesday to help in controlling the spread of the fire. They also began taking down trees that are burnt out at the bases.

The North Andover Department of Public Works assisted in cutting in an access road with heavy equipment to get to a hard to reach area.

Several other area fire departments also provided assistance.

While the large Sharpeners Pond Road brush fire was contained last week, the blaze sparked up again this week. Officials warned that residents could see heavy smoke due to the fire.

The severe drought the state is experiencing that has led to conditions favorable to brush fires could be coming to an end this week. Currently, a Red Flag Warning is in effect across the state as there is very low humidity and windy conditions.

But that is expected to change starting late Wednesday night with a storm that could bring up to an inch of rain across a region under "critical drought" conditions.

See related: Rainy Relief From 'Red Flag' Fire Dangers, 'Critical' Drought Expected