Parts of eastern Massachusetts experienced widespread smoke on Monday as firefighters addressed multiple brush fires in the region, according to AP News.
The National Weather Service explained that a “surface inversion” trapped the smoke near the ground, degrading air quality in affected areas.
By late Monday, the smoke had largely cleared, providing temporary relief to residents.
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services confirmed 18 active brush fires across the state within the last 24 hours.
Heightened fire risks have resulted from the dry weather and ongoing drought, with officials urging residents to take preventive steps to avoid accidental ignitions.
Fire Marshal Jon Davine stated: “Dry leaves and dead vegetation are highly susceptible to ignition under current conditions, which could lead to rapidly spreading fires.”
In response to smoky conditions, several local events and school activities were disrupted.
Salem High School closed early on Tuesday, and a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event in Reading’s downtown area was canceled due to air quality concerns.
Officials explained that while flames did not directly threaten Salem, smoke levels around the high school presented health risks for students and staff.
Additionally, an elementary school in Salem temporarily relocated classes to avoid exposure to smoky air.
Reading, located about 12 miles west of Salem, also canceled its downtown Halloween event as a precaution.
The Environmental Protection Agency issued advisories about unhealthy air quality levels across several communities, particularly for vulnerable populations.
With much of the state experiencing moderate drought conditions, officials remain cautious about further smoke impacts in the coming days.
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts National Guard deployed helicopters to support firefighting efforts near Salem Woods, where a persistent brush fire remains active.
By late Tuesday, one fire in Salem was reported to be 95% contained after burning approximately 172 acres, though residual hotspots continued to produce smoke.
Another nearby fire, covering about 7 acres, has also been contained, although officials expect some smoke to persist overnight.
Authorities warned that flare-ups in the Salem Woods area are possible due to ongoing dry conditions and are monitoring the region closely.
Classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday as officials assess local air quality.
As brush fires remain a concern, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a statewide fire ban on Monday.
The ban includes all campfires, charcoal fires, and cooking fires in state parks, campgrounds, and management areas.
Officials advised these restrictions to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires amid the dry weather affecting the region.
Residents in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island are encouraged to limit outdoor activities in smoky areas and keep windows closed to prevent smoke infiltration indoors.
Fire officials across the region are continuing to monitor conditions closely and adjust advisories as necessary.
Smoke from multiple brush fires across eastern Massachusetts has led to degraded air quality, prompting school closures and event cancellations, according to AP News.
On Monday, a surface inversion kept smoke low to the ground, affecting visibility and air quality, especially in Salem and surrounding areas.
State fire services reported 18 active brush fires in the past 24 hours, with dry conditions and drought levels heightening the risk of new ignitions.
National Guard helicopters provided support on Tuesday to contain fires in Salem Woods.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a fire ban at state parks, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning.
Schools are expected to reopen Wednesday as firefighters monitor residual smoke levels in affected communities.
