LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — At least eight recent brush fires in the Lynn Woods were intentionally set, city and state fire officials said Wednesday.
According to Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan, Department of Conservation & Recreation Chief Fire Warden David Celino, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, the fires in Lynn Woods that have been burning for several days have already scorched about 400 acres of land.
"Any fire can present a hazard, but we saw rapid fire growth threatening numerous homes in our community as a result of these fires," said Chief Sullivan. "Firefighters from Lynn and our mutual aid partners worked extraordinarily hard to bring them under control, and we’re extremely fortunate that we had no serious injuries or property damage."
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for most of the state, excluding the Cape and Islands. Red Flag Warnings indicate the region is seeing warm temperatures with very low humidity levels and high winds, all culminating to an increased risk of a fire.
Investigators believe that eight separate fires were intentionally set on May 12, May 13, and May 17. Officials are asking the public for any information on these incidents.
“About 40% of Massachusetts home are in or near wildland areas,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. "Setting a fire in this environment is a particularly dangerous act, especially under the current weather conditions. If you have any information that can help investigators, please share it today."
Anyone with information on the fires can contact the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit at 978-567-3310 or the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9225.
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