Press Release  Governor Healey Activates National Guard to Combat Wildfires in Western Massachusetts

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today activated the Massachusetts National Guard to assist state and local firefighters responding to a wildfire that began in New York and has now crossed the border into Williamstown. The National Guard will use aircraft to drop water on fires in remote, rocky areas that are hard for firefighters to reach. 

In addition to the National Guard, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Department of Fire Services (DFS) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have been monitoring the spread of the fire and offering assistance. The blaze is currently covering 157 acres.

“Our top priority is keeping people safe and giving our firefighters every resource possible to contain this wildfire,” said Governor Healey. “As this fire spreads toward homes, businesses and communities in Western Massachusetts, we’re activating the National Guard to provide critical support from the air and to reach areas that firefighters can’t safely access on the ground. I’m grateful to the firefighters, first responders and National Guard members who are working around the clock to protect our communities. We will continue to do everything we can to keep residents safe.”

DFS is deploying personnel and specialized apparatus to assist local and regional firefighters. A Rehab unit will support firefighter health and safety at the scene, an Incident Support Unit provides communications, conferencing, and mapping capabilities, and a drone team will stream HD and thermal imagery from the air to aid incident commanders with resource allocation. 

Residents in affected communities are encouraged to avoid the area, give public safety personnel room to work, and follow guidance from local public safety officials and stay informed about changing conditions. 

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