Great Barrington — In what was written as a final update on social media, the Great Barrington Fire Department announced that the Butternut Fire, which started on Monday, Nov. 18, is under control as of Sunday, Dec. 1.
The announcement listed that, over 13 days, more than 400 firefighters, rangers, National Guard members and other personnel were dispatched to fight the fire.
The fire consumed 1,670 acres of land and spanned three miles in length, with a perimeter of over 10 miles.
“This area remains dangerous. The fire dramatically changed conditions on the ground in and around its footprint. Trees and root systems were burned out. This increases the risk of trees and limbs falling, ground and boulders shifting, and void spaces opening up. This is not something that is unusual, but for this region it is something that is rarely seen. Based on data we have received from multiple resources; we expect that these hazards will make the area unsafe for residents for some time – possibly as long as a few months. New growth will come in the spring, this area will once again flourish and be as healthy as it ever was.”
The department added that houses and businesses are safe from the fire, and that all apparatus and personnel on duty since the fire started have been released.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined and under investigation.
