Great Barrington brush fire under control, fire command terminated

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (NEWS10)-- The Great Barrington brush fire, also known as the Butternut Fire, is under control and not expected to spread further, Fire Chief Scott Turner announced Sunday. On Sunday, Turner terminated the fire command at 2 p.m.

"Based on weather changes, fuel conditions, and the monumental work of our firefighters and mutual aid, the fire is clearly under control and not expected to spread any further," Turner announced. "Great Barrington’s homes and businesses are safe. As of this afternoon (Sunday), we are releasing the personnel and apparatus that had been in place 24/7 since that Monday evening 13 days ago. Obviously, we will remain ready to respond to any extension or minor growth that may occur."

The fire department reported the brush fire consumed 1670 acres, spanning over 3 miles in length, since the first reports on Monday, Nov. 18. The area remains unsafe, Turner said.

"The fire dramatically changed conditions on the ground in and around its footprint. Trees and root systems were burned out. This increases the risk of trees and limbs falling, ground and boulders shifting, and void spaces opening up," Lt. Brian Mead, PIO for the Great Barrington Fire Department said. "This is not something that is unusual, but for this region, it is something that is rarely seen. Based on data we have received from multiple resources; we expect that these hazards will make the area unsafe for residents for some time – possibly as long as a few months."

The Great Barrington Fire Department, Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police are still investigating what caused the brush fire. Anyone with information is asked to call the Great Barrington Police Department at 413-528-0306 extension 3.