Mass National Guard Helping Contain Month-Long Briarwood Fire In Rockport

Members of the Massachusetts National Guard have been called in to help contain a brush fire that has been burning for a month on the North Shore.

Smoke from the Briarwood fire from Pavilion Beach in Ipswich
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of Gary Gibson*

David Cifarelli

08/18/2022 11:57 a.m.

The 30 members will combat the Briarwood Fire that has scorched nearly 19 acres in Rockport, NBC Boston reports. Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement on Thursday, Aug. 18.

“Their wildfire suppression training, skilled expertise, and regular collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation equip them to strengthen the containment line and meaningfully contribute to Rockport’s ongoing fire mitigation efforts,” Baker said in a statement, according to Boston25.

The guard members will be present from Thursday to Friday "to provide proactive assistance in locating and putting out hot spots," the Town of Rockport said in a statement. "They are specifically trained for this type of work and will be under the oversight of the Rockport Forest Fire Warden and State Forestry experts."

The Briarwood Fire is one of over 800 wildfires in Massachusetts so far this year, CBS Boston said citing the Department of Conservation and Recreation. In total, these fires have burned 1,248 acres, Boston25 reports.

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