Brush Fire Hits Middlesex Fells Reservation In Stoneham

STONEHAM, MA — A brush fire drew Stoneham firefighters to the Middlesex Fells Reservation on Tuesday, hitting as warm weather and drought conditions linger.

The Fells, which straddles Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester has been the site of several recent brush fires, including a large blaze on Sunday afternoon. Stoneham firefighters had previously also been on scene in the Fells last Friday for another brush fire.

These fires come as fire and weather experts warn of an increased fire risk due to ongoing drought conditions across much of the state.

Last Thursday, as the state updated its drought outlook, officials warned that fire activity had increased particularly in Eastern Massachusetts.

"Wildfires in remote areas with delayed response are now burning deep into the organic soil layers," state agencies said in a joint statement.

This drought fire behavior, the state said, can pose problems for fire crews, lengthening individual fire responses.