SOUTHAMPTON — Investigators are still determining the cause of a brush fire that spread across about 12 acres by Brickyard Road between Gilbert and Valley roads Sunday, according to Fire Capt. Pat Eline.
The extremely dry weather, coupled with high winds, contributed to the spread of the blaze, Eline said. More than 10 neighboring departments lent firefighters in Southampton a hand in battling the conflagration.
Crews worked to keep the fire from reaching homes along Brickyard Road, though Eline said one resident’s wooden fence was damaged.
Eline said Sunday was a “red flag” warning day. On a scale of one to five for the potential for fires, Eline said Sunday was considered a high risk day and rated at level 4.
“Nobody was allowed to burn,” Eline said. “No permits were issued.”
Open burn season, which began in January, ends on May 1. Southampton residents must obtain a burning permit and call the fire department before starting a fire.
With dry weather and high winds expected, Eline said Monday is another level 4 day for potential fires.
The National Weather Service also issued a hazardous weather outlook Monday, warning that there is an elevated risk for fire-fanning weather conditions.
“Low humidity combined with gusty northwest winds and very dry surface fuels will result in high fire danger across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and northern Connecticut,” the service stated.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.