An investigation is underway into the death of a woman found dead at the scene of a fire in Massachusetts as fires burned across the state over the weekend.
MILLBURY, Mass. – An investigation is underway in Massachusetts after a woman died during an outdoor fire over the weekend amid the ongoing threat of wildfires across the Northeast.
Authorities in Millbrae responded to a small brush fire Saturday evening. Massachusetts State Troopers found the victim next to a campsite, where the fire likely started. The Millbury Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, which occurred while parts of the state were under a fire weather warning. According to the state fire marshal, the causes of death and the cause of the fire are under investigation.
Millbury Fire Department vehicle.
(Massachusetts Fire Department)
On Sunday, more wildfires broke out in Salem and Middleton, about 30 minutes outside Boston. The Middleton Fire Department said the fire was burning near power lines, and estimated the battle “will likely continue for several days.” Authorities said the Salem Fire had grown to more than 100 acres before crews left the area overnight. Both fires are being monitored and multiple agencies are assisting in controlling the fire.
The death over the weekend comes after weeks of dry conditions in the Northeast that led to dozens of fires, including the Hawthorn Fire in Connecticut, which claimed the life of a retired firefighter when his personal vehicle overturned while traveling on steep, rocky terrain. Three other firefighters were injured during the incident.
Trick or treat in shorts? A warm Halloween is available to many across the United States
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued a state of emergency due to the ongoing fire threat in the state.
Dry expansion continues
A near-record stretch without precipitation is fueling fire weather across the Northeast.
New York City and Philadelphia are approaching four weeks of dry weather.
In New York City, the driest stretch on record occurred in 1924, with 36 consecutive dry days. This record may be in jeopardy without measurable rain in the next two weeks.
Cities with potential drought lines break records.
(Fox Weather)
The driest period in Philadelphia occurred in 1874, when 29 consecutive days went without measurable rain. The city is likely to break the record on Monday.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, in addition to dry conditions, freshly fallen leaves are drying out, creating conditions for wildfires to spread.
Latest drought conditions in the Northeast.
(Fox Weather)
With another significant warming forecast during the middle to latter part of this week, the overall fire threat is likely to become severe again as we approach the end of October.
