Brush fire in the Berkshires spreads over 800 acres, firefighters from 19 communities battling blaze MassLive.com 1 hr ago Jeanette DeForge, masslive.com
A stubborn brush fire that has spread across about 800 acres of woodland over the weekend is expected to continue burning for several more days.
One of the more than 120 firefighters who have been battling the blaze was taken to the hospital while working at the fire over the weekend. Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for the State Fire Marshal’s Office did not reveal why he was taken to the hospital but said he has been admitted and is in good condition.
About three dozen personnel from the fire departments of Williamstown, Clarksburg, Hancock, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams and Pownal, Vt., plus the Adams Forest Wardens responded to the blaze that first was reported at 5:44 p.m. The fire was located more than a mile from the nearest paved road, forcing firefighters to take to four-wheelers to get to the site. Initial reports indicated the fire was at least partially on property owned by the East Mountain Sportsman s Club. By 8:25, as darkness enveloped the mountainside, the first responders were making their way down the mountain to one of two command centers that were set up to coordinate the operation.