HAWLEY, MA — May 5th — In response to a third-alarm brush fire in Ashfield, the Hawley Volunteer Fire Department provided mutual aid to the Ashfield Fire Department. Hawley Tanker 1 was tasked with providing water and assisting firefighting personnel. According to department officials, Hawley units stayed on the site before going back to work.

As part of the mutual aid system in place for significant brush fire situations, a number of regional departments responded. Tanker operations are still crucial in rural areas with limited access to hydrants, according to fire authorities. Responding agencies' cooperation and coordination helped to bolster fire suppression efforts during the incident, according to officials.