GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — As of Wednesday afternoon, a wildfire on East Mountain in Great Barrington is 0% contained.
Lee Fire Chief Ryan Brown said dry conditions caused the fire to expand even further Tuesday night, and as of Wednesday afternoon has covered more than 1,100 acres of land.
The town of Great Barrington declared a state of emergency Tuesday, but Brown says at no time has there been a threat to homes, other structures or residents.
Brown said they have set up fire barriers in neighborhoods closest to the fire and do expect the smoke to remain in the air around Berkshire County for a while due to the dry conditions.
"I also want to correct some information that was put out today. The fire is not encroaching on Barre Town state forest," said Brown. "That was misinformation that we got this morning. However, it is affecting a portion of the Appalachian Trail. That trail has been closed."
Fire leaders say there are no plans at this time to evacuate residents, but they don't expect the fire to be completely out until snow falls.