Windy conditions on Sunday led to multiple brush fires in the Pioneer Valley.
The Hatfield Fire Department was called to Old Stage Road around 3:30 p.m. for a report of an out-of-control brush fire. Fire Chief Stephen Gaughan said the fire likely was caused by the wind stoking embers from a permitted burn on Friday. The embers were blown into trees as well as along the ground, spreading fire over about a quarter to a third of an acre.
Around 4 p.m., as the smell of smoke hung in the air, nearly a dozen firefighters could be seen hosing down the ground, splitting larger branches and spraying down a tree. About 2,000 gallons of water were used, Gaughan said.
“The homeowners did everything right,” Gaughan said. In addition to getting a burn permit, the residents called emergency responders immediately when they saw the fire, the fire chief added.
Whately firefighters were called around 2 p.m. to a fire on River Road near its intersection with Pilvinis Road, according to Fire Chief John Hannum. An illegal burn had gotten out of control, Hannum said. By the time crews arrived, the homeowner had the fire mostly under control by using a garden hose. Crews remained on scene for about 30 minutes to make sure the quarter of an acre was completely out, according to Hannum.
About 10 firefighters responded to the fire as well as the department’s pumper truck, brush truck and tanker.
Hannum reminded residents that permits are needed in order to burn.
Permits are available annually in both towns from Jan. 15 to May 1 and are granted when the weather allows.
There were no injuries reported at either fire.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.