Large Brush Fire Burning In Salem, Lynn

SALEM, MA — A large brush fire in the woods behind a Walmart in Salem has spread to Lynn, authorities said Sunday, with the National Guard joining the response.

The fire in the area off Highland Avenue between Cain Road and Old Village Drive had been smoldering for a day and creating smoky conditions, the city of Salem posted on social media around 9:40 a.m., advising residents to avoid the area.

The city warned residents about 3:30 p.m. that there would be a National Guard helicopter in the area during the afternoon as part of the ongoing response.

Shortly after 11 a.m., the Lynn Fire Department announced that the blaze had grown overnight and reached the Fay’s Estate neighborhood behind Apple Hill Lane, Belleaire Avenue and Scranton Way.

“Multiple companies have been working through the night keeping the fire away from any structures and are still on the scene at this time,” the department said in a social media post, warning smoke would be prominent throughout the neighborhood Sunday.

Massachusetts is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, increasing the potential for fires, according to the department.