BERKSHIRE COUNTY, Mass. - It's the largest wildfire in Massachusetts in more than 20 years, but now, after four days, the East Mountain fire is mostly under control.
The fire began Friday night in Williamstown and eventually spread into North Adams and the Clarksburg State Forest, burning nearly 950 acres.
Crews transitioned to patrol and "mop up" operations on Tuesday, and smoke is no longer visible in the surrounding towns. Firefighters will continue to monitor the area until the area sees significant rainfall.
More than 120 firefighters from 19 communities, including some from Vermont, responded to help contain the flames. North Adams city councilor Pete Oleskiewicz said he's thankful for the first responders' efforts.
"This could've been a whole lot worse, and I'm really grateful to all the surrounding communities for the mutual aid, and also to the State Police and National Guard who came in with the helicopters. What an effort it was for the helicopters to keep coming in and pulling water out of the reservoir and flying over and dumping it," Oleskiewicz said. "I, for one, and all of us in the city of North Adams are very grateful."
Several hiking trails in the area, including the Appalachian Trail, were impacted by the fire, and hikers are advised to avoid the area as it burns out over the next couple of days.