Massive Brush Fire in Rhode Island’s Big River Management Area

Firefighters Battling the Blaze for Days

A large brush fire in Rhode Island’s Big River Management area has been raging for days. The fire started on Wednesday afternoon due to dangerous brush fire conditions warned by the National Weather Service. The fire has burned more than 200 acres and has not yet been contained.

Public Safety Measures

The Big River Management Area is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and has turned into a big inferno. Public safety officials have asked people to stay away and refrain from using drones in the area so that firefighters can do their job without any interference.

A Rare Incident

The woods were dry, which enabled the spreading of the blaze to an unprecedented level. Despite several efforts, the fire still persists on Thursday, and firefighters are still battling to contain the flames.

The blaze is one of the biggest brush fires in Rhode Island’s history and has affected the West Greenwich area near Congdon Road. More than 150 acres of land have already been burned, the largest area for a brush fire since the 1940s.

Mutual Aid Efforts

Fire departments from as far away as Cape Cod and Connecticut rushed to help fight the fire. More than 30 local, state, and out-of-state agencies responded including crews from neighboring states of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Rhode Island National Guard helicopters and drones have also been deployed to monitor and fight the fire. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a no-fly zone around the area, while Rhode Island State Police are using drones to check out the brush from overhead.

No Homes Damaged or Injuries Reported

The good news is that no homes have been damaged in the fire, and no injuries have been reported so far. The director for Emergency Management in West Greenwich revealed that there are many resources on scene, and extinguishing the fire is progressing well.

Elevated Fire Conditions Warning

The National Weather Service placed almost all of Southern New England under an elevated fire conditions warning on Thursday. This means the warmer temperatures and stronger winds create favorable fire conditions, which could increase the risk of fires in the area.

The dry and warm conditions are contributing to elevated fire risk, endangering residents’ lives and the area’s wildlife. Officials will keep tabs on the area to prevent any further fires from igniting in this area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rhode Island state officials are encouraging the public to stay away from the affected areas until firefighters can contain the fire. The dry and hot climate in many northern states could continue to cause such incidents throughout the summer. In such situations, it is important for local governments, firefighters, and communities to work together to combat these incidents.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons