Worcester County Brush Fire Burns 1.25 Acres

HOPEDALE, MA — A brush fire in the Hopedale Parklands on Monday drew multiple fire departments and burned 1.25 acres.

The Hopedale Fire Department said crews were dispatched to the Parklands near the rustic bridge shortly before 1 p.m. for a reported brush fire. When they arrived, firefighters found a large area of woods burning and spreading rapidly in frequent wind gusts.

The Hopedale Parklands is a public park and trail network around Hopedale Pond that dates to the turn of the 20th century, according to the town and the National Park Service. The area includes miles of maintained trails and views of the pond, and the town describes it as one of Hopedale's signature open spaces.

Mutual aid crews from Mendon, Milford and Upton responded along with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation Bureau of Forest Fire Control.

The Bellingham Fire Department provided an engine, the Westborough Fire Department sent a ladder and Coastal EMS provided an ambulance to cover the town while crews were at the scene.

The department said the fire should serve as a reminder that drought conditions remain in the region. Open flames are not allowed in the Parklands and should be avoided around dry vegetation, according to the release.

Officials did not say exactly what caused the fire.

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