Brush Fire Off Campus

On Saturday November 12th, a five acre-fire was reported an hour away from Plymouth, NH. The fire started early afternoon, near the Albany Covered Bridge and the Kancamagus Highway. Now, it has grown to a massive 327-acre fire. It has spread to the White Mountains National Park, and is spreading down the Swift River. Firemen began handling the fire as soon as it was reported.

According to The Washington Times, “[Forest officials] said no structures have been lost or threatened. They said the outlook for containment by mid-week looks optimistic with rain forecast for the afternoon and evening.” Dry leaves littering the ground fuel the fire, and it has stayed within the woods. It is a mild fire, since it has not come in contact with any homes or buildings.

According to The Roanoke Times, authorities say that this area has not seen a brush fire for “more than a century”. This sudden fire was a shock to forest officials. It was most likely caused as a result of a combination of humidity and wind speed.

It’s not thought to be started by any one person, simply an unfortunate combination of natural causes. The excessive amount of small twigs and leaves in the area is perfect kindling for a growing fire.

As of Tuesday, half of the fire has been contained. Although the fire arose quickly and is spreading, it’s not a serious threat to be worried about. Forest officials are confident that the fire will be contained before it damages any roads or neighboring towns. The Roanoke Times mentioned, “Crews from New Hampshire and Maine are working to secure a line around the fire.” Weather reports predict mist and rain, and when combined with firemen’s efforts, the fire should be stopped within the week.

This brush fire is among many in the United States. In the Appalachian Mountains stretching between Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, there are at least 30 fires currently burning. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes. The cause of the many fires is thought to be because of the severe draught plaguing the area. One state, Tennessee, has declared a state of emergency. It is not clear when the fires will be put out, and there is no saying when the danger of more fires will pass.