SCRAPYARD FIRE SPARKS BRUSHFIRES, MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE CONTINUES

Photo by Westport Fire Department, Massachusetts
Westport firefighters remain on scene working to extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire within a large scrap pile containing processed vehicles, following a significant incident that drew a widespread mutual aid response.
Companies were dispatched to a reported scrapyard fire and arrived to find heavy fire and smoke conditions. Due to the intensity of the blaze, additional resources from across the county and neighboring Rhode Island were requested to assist with suppression efforts.
Strong winds carried embers beyond the main fire, igniting several brushfires along Davis Road. Those fires have since been brought under control, with crews continuing to monitor the affected areas.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents as smoke conditions worsened. Fire officials also assisted with evacuations for those in the direct path of the smoke plume, arranging overnight accommodations at a local hotel
Roadways in the area are anticipated to reopen with delays, and the public is advised to avoid the vicinity if possible.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.