(NECN: Scot Yount, Brimfield, Mass.) - "Forest fire-fighting crews from our task force are working the perimeter," said Chief Fred Piechota of the Brimfield, Mass. fire department.
The mop up continues as crews from the task force that have battled an intense brush fire here now have some breathing room.
"We will continue to do fire watches over the next few days here but certainly this is just an indicator of the potential that we have in many other areas of the town.”
That's because the tornadoes that tore through here last year have rendered much of what was a thriving forest, a tinderbox.
Firefighters began beating back the fire Wednesday on the ground and from the air and thought they had control until high winds fanned the embers back to a blaze.
In addition to the wind, there are lots of other problems facing firefighters. One, this wood has been on the ground now for almost a year and is very dry and very flammable. In addition, these areas, because of that wood, are almost impassable.
"We have to stand back and essentially allow the fire to come to us,” said Chief Piechota, “which exacerbates the problem tremendously.”
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The fire scorched 52 acres. Seven homes were threatened and residents were worried.
"Well, we are all nervous," said Scott Buccelli of Brimfield.
Buccelli and his neighbors were certainly anxious but firefighters were able to save the homes here and there were no injuries.
"Every one of our relatives showed up, and I mean it was pretty wild," said Buccelli.
At this point, the immediate danger is over but this area needs to be cleared and needs rain.
"All in all, we're happy it's out,” said Buccelli, “because we can relax a lot more.”
