High Winds Whip Brush Fire In Lakeville, Cause Damage Across Mass.
BOSTON (CBS) -- High winds up to 62 mph were causing damage and power outages across Massachusetts Thursday afternoon, as well as fueling brush fires in the Lakeville area.
In Lakeville, the stubborn blaze started in the morning and quickly moved toward neighborhoods, where residents started using garden hoses to protect their property.
"My father in law grabbed a hose, and started spraying the woods, then he went to help the neighbors," said Kim Frates.
WBZ-TV's Katie Brace reports
"With wind like this, what we're basically doing is chasing the fire," said Raynham Fire Chief Jim Januse.
Down the street, Samantha DaCosta was in her yard, and smelled the smoke before she saw the flames heading her way.
"I got my dogs and cat, put them in the car, and as I was backing out of the driveway, called 911," she said.
Firefighters managed to keep the flames from spreading to her home. It was a huge team effort, involving firefighters from surrounding towns.
The right lane of Route 140 northbound was closed down due to low visibility from the fire's smoke, Mass. State Police said.
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports
Wind gusts reached speeds in the 50-60 mph range. So far, the highest wind speeds were recorded in Duxbury, where gusts reached 62 mph.
WBZ-TV's Katie Brace reported that the Duxbury Fire Department had 18-20 weather-related calls Thursday afternoon, including two reports of trees down on houses.
At one point, Duxbury firefighters responded to a propane leak caused by a fallen tree.
Across southeastern Massachusetts, a high wind advisory was in effect until 9 p.m.
In Boston, 42 mph winds were recorded in the Seaport District.
Strong winds knocked parts of the roof off the First Baptist Church. Debris fell right onto Commonwealth Ave and Clarendon Street. No one was hurt.
A tree was down on a house on Manning Road in Lynn:
