Smoke Alert: North Shore Fires Cancel Salem Outdoor School Activities

SALEM, MA — Salem Public Schools on Monday suspended all outdoor activities — including sports practices and contests — as smoke continues to envelope the North Shore from regional fires over the past two weeks.

"Until further notice, recess, physical education, outdoor learning and sports activities will be moved indoors," Salem school officials said. "We are in regular communication with city officials
and will share updates as necessary."

This is the second time in a week Salem Public School has suspended outdoor activities after last week sending Salem High School students home early and relocating students at the Horace Mann Laboratory School because of nearby fires.

• 'Severe' North Shore Drought Conditions Fuel More Brush Fire Concerns

Residents across the North Shore once again experienced the sight and smell of smoke in the air — as well as seeing fires in the distance — from Swampscott and Marblehead up to Beverly over the weekend.

Much of the smoke is coming from fires that have now burned nearly 200 acres in Middleton.

Middleton fire crews battled the week-long brush fire at the north end of the fire perimeter in the area of Old Hundred Lane and Middleton Pond on Sunday.

"The fire is burning deep in the ground and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future," Middleton fire said. "The good news is that the fire has not spread in size, however, it continues to emit a significant amount of smoke — especially in the Old Hundred Lane and Currier Road area. Residents in those areas should continue to keep windows and doors closed. The forestry sprinklers are in full operation in the Old Hundred Lane area and will continue to operate throughout the overnight hours."

Officials said the Middleton fire was about 70 percent contained as of Sunday night and had burned roughly 195 acres.

"Area fire departments will be back in action (Monday) morning to continue evaluating the affected areas and wetting down areas as needed," Middleton fire said while restating that all outdoor burning is illegal during the fire danger. "This prolonged period of dry weather coupled with very dry ground will continue to result in an elevated fire risk."

There will be little relief to the "severe" drought conditions across the North Shore this week with limited chances of light rain and near-record high temperatures with strong southwest winds over the next two days.

After a seasonable day in the low 50s on Monday, temperatures will rise well into the 60s on Tuesday and into the upper 70s on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)