The smoke from wildfires is still affecting residents throughout the Greater Boston region.
Numerous brush fires continued to rage across the North Shore of Massachusetts and other parts of the state. On Tuesday, firefighting teams returned to areas still affected to extinguish the flames.
According to Middleton’s fire chief, over 250 acres had already been consumed by a wildfire that has extended into North Reading as of Monday.
Smoke was visible over Middleton Pond on Tuesday morning, with several locations in the woods still ablaze.
While the fires in Middleton and surrounding areas posed no threat to homes, the Department of Conservation and Recreation announced late Tuesday a temporary ban on all open flames and charcoal grilling at state parks to mitigate the risk of wildland fires due to ongoing drought conditions.
This ban is effective immediately and will remain until further notice; however, small portable propane grills are still allowed in designated areas where they are typically permitted.
Numerous acres are ablaze in Massachusetts.
On Tuesday morning, firefighters patrolled affected areas to monitor wildfires, while helicopters were deployed to suppress flare-ups whenever possible. In Salem, Lynn, and Peabody, crews continued battling a wildfire that has spread over 130 acres. Middleton’s Fire Chief, Douglas LeColst, noted that due to the fires’ scale, full extinguishment will require natural elements like rain. “We believe most of the fire is contained,” he said, “but it will burn for several days. Our focus is on containment, and we’re making progress.” Lingering smoke is expected until the area receives substantial rainfall.
Other New England states are also experiencing dry conditions that have led to brush fires. Over the weekend, Maine reported multiple incidents, including a significant five-acre blaze in Buckfield, and on Monday morning, firefighters responded to a brush and boat fire in Johnston, Rhode Island.
What could be causing the scent of smoke in the Greater Boston area?
The smoke from these wildfires is clearly impacting many individuals in the Boston region. Due to a weather phenomenon known as inversion, the scent of smoke is prevalent throughout the area. Inversion occurs when warm air traps cooler air and smoke near the ground, raising concerns about air quality since wildfire smoke can contain harmful pollutants. Jennifer Stowell from Boston University’s School of Public Health advises that on days with visible smoke, extra caution is warranted because of its heightened toxicity. The primary concern lies with those who have pre-existing health issues, she explained. This could mean that individuals with respiratory ailments like asthma should limit outdoor activities and stay informed about air quality levels.
In Middleton and North Reading, prevailing winds have resulted in an air quality index of 52 to 56, categorized as moderate; thus, sensitive individuals should minimize their exposure to smoke. Conversely, in Salem, Lynn, and Peabody—where fires are actively burning—the air quality is rated as unhealthy, ranging from 130 to 189. This situation necessitates that everyone take precautions by reducing outdoor activities. Consequently, public schools in Salem have canceled outdoor events such as recess and physical education until further notice. Saugus, located downwind from both fires, faces even worse conditions with an air quality index of 220—deemed very unhealthy—prompting recommendations for all residents to limit or avoid outdoor exertion.
Dr. Wynne Armand from Mass General Brigham notes that air pollution can lead to both immediate and long-term health effects depending on exposure levels and intensity. Immediate mild symptoms may include throat or eye irritation or worsening skin conditions like eczema; however, more severe reactions can involve breathing difficulties, coughing spells, chest pain, or heart palpitations. Health professionals emphasize that those with existing health issues along with young children and the elderly should exercise additional caution during such events.