Massachusetts National Guard activated to help fight Rockport brush fire burning for a month
ROCKPORT - The Massachusetts National Guard has been activated to help fight a brush fire that's been burning for a month in Rockport.
Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement Thursday.
The Briarwood fire has been burning for five weeks across 19-acres in Rockport and continues to smolder above and below ground.
The town asked the state for help so 30 specially trained members of the National Guard will now head to Rockport to help the local all-volunteer fire department.
According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, there have been more than 800 wildfires in Massachusetts so far this year.
"This is the driest I've ever seen it this is by far the longest fire I've ever been associated with," Rockport Forest Fire Warden Mike Frontierro said.
The arrival of National Guard was a welcome sight for homeowner Pat Holt.
"We're standing out on the street watching. It's very disconcerting," Holt said. "Just been waiting for them to come."
National Guard First Class Steve Littlefield spoke about the difficulty of fighting the fire.
"We've gotten so little rain in July and August," he said. "What's burning out there is not necessarily what's on top. It's underneath; it goes right through, deep into the ground, and then you have to worry about it catching the root systems on fire."
That dry earth and brush in the area is similar fuel for multiple fires that have been sweeping though Lynn Woods Reservation on Thursday, and Breakheart Reservation in Saugus for a second straight day.
"The guard has special equipment and people who are trained to fight fires in what I would describe as unusual situations and circumstances," Baker said.
Those resources are now in Rockport, but residents are still on edge with essentials right by the door.
"I have my bags packed. Medications, important papers. I just said I'm gonna be prepared," Holt said.
