Fire chief reassures kids near 1,100-acre wildfire in Massachusetts: "It's gonna be safe."

GREAT BARRINGTON - The Butternut fire in Great Barrington spread to more than 1,100 acres on Wednesday, sending smoke into surrounding western Massachusetts communities. Before much-needed rain arrived in the area Thursday, one local fire chief recorded a reassuring message for children who might be worried about what's become the biggest wildfire in the state.

Lee Fire Chief Ryan Brown said he wanted to speak directly "to our little friends out there." He explained in a Facebook video that while firefighters have long taught kids about the dangers of smoke and fire, there's no need for them to be scared.

"Doing everything we can to keep you safe"

"I want you to not be worried. I want you know to know that we're doing everything we can to keep you safe," Brown said. "The smoke that you see might make you cough a little, but it's going to be safe."

Several parents in the Facebook comments thanked Brown for the thoughtful message. One mom said her daughter was appreciative.

"She was very worried and you helped put her mind at ease!" she wrote.

Adults said they found it helpful as well.

"As a grown man, I actually appreciate the calm, direct, clarity of this message," another person said. "Thank you and keep up the good work." 

Great Barrington, Mass. fire update

The Great Barrington Fire Department said Thursday morning that the fire experienced "some overnight growth," but nothing like the previous day. There are 120 firefighting personnel from multiple agencies working to put out the flames.

Fire department spokesperson Lt. Brian Mead said there has been one injury related to the fire. He said fire activity reported less than a quarter mile from homes was "stopped in its tracks," thanks to firefighters.

"Today's rain will help to some extent, but it will not extinguish the fire," he said.