Breakhart Reservation closed, Lynn golf course in harm’s way as brush fires continue to burn

Major brush fires continue to burn across Massachusetts and smoke-filled air is affecting many communities as firefighters scramble to contain the flames.

Fires in Lynn, Saugus, Marlboro, Sudbury, Rowley, and Braintree kept officials busy over the weekend with crews in several towns working to put out the stubborn, drought-aided flames that have persisted for several days.

Two large fires in Breakheart Reservation in Saugus have been burning since Tuesday, and firefighters from more than 20 surrounding communities have assisted the Saugus Fire Department.

The reservation was closed over the weekend and it will remain shut to the public through at least Wednesday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

According to a Facebook post from the Saugus Fire Department, a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter was deployed Sunday at approximately 12 p.m. to drop water picked up at Lynn’s Sluice Pond on the fire.

The Lynn Woods remains closed after a fire burned to the back edge of Gannon Golf Course on Saturday. The property has been closed since Thursday to protect visitors.

A Facebook post from the Lynn Fire Department said although the fire has been semi-contained to the left side of the stone tower and out to both Cooke and Dungeon Roads on Gannon Golf Course, the continued drought is negating some of the progress.

“As the running fire is knocked down with handlines, and the underground fire continues and pop up along the root system,” fire officials said. “Firefighters are digging 7″-10″ down and still finding the ground to be extremely hot and dry as powder.”

The Facebook post went on to thank locals for their donations of snacks, water, and other materials to help all the men get through the work in the woods.

A tweet from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation advised caution to nearby residents as well as anyone using grills, campfires, and open flames during the drought.

Other brush fires have popped up this weekend in Braintree, where a fire in the woods behind 200 Commerce Drive led to the closure of that street for much of Saturday.

In Marlboro, a large brush fire that began Friday continued to burn Saturday. The fire, located on the town line with Sudbury and Hudson, is contained to a wooded area. Fourteen fire departments from surrounding communities are responding to the fire.

Firefighters from Georgetown on Sunday assisted crews in Rowley, where flames were burning in Rowley State Forest.

Even in towns where no fires have been reported, residents have been plagued with smoke and haze from the various brush fires. Many departments are warning residents of the issue and encouraging them to only call 911 if they believe there is a new emergency, as well as stressing the importance of caution when using open flames.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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