Back-to-Back Brush Fires Cause Serious Damage in Amherst

The Amherst Fire Department dealt with two consecutive brush fires Wednesday night, with one causing major damage to a wide area.

Firefighters responded to a small brush fire behind Walmart at 5:03 p.m. A small 10x10 area was found smoldering.

A fire engine from south station noticed smoke and flames from behind 44 Stearns Road while responding to the Walmart fire. Firefighters were dispatched to the second fire, which appears to have been a permit burn that had gotten out of control.

The fire rapidly advanced across the flood plains along Stearns Road and burned 3.68 acres before Amherst, Milford and Mont Vernon firefighters could contain the blaze.

Chief Boynton stated that it is hard to predict the fire danger this time of year. The state division of forest and lands had classified the danger as class two. Recent rain and warm weather had turned most lawns green.  

However, he said that thick vegetation such as the flood plain remain brown, very dry and burn very quickly.  

“I ask residents to use caution and pay careful attention to the conditions in the area before you kindle a fire,” said Boynton. “Make sure you have an adequate water source to contain the fire.  If you are not sure or have questions the fire department has officers on call 24/7 that would be more than happy to look things over before you burn.”