Plainfield-Region Fire Blamed on Hobo Stove

Photo by Plainfield Fire Co. #1 Firefighters worked through the woods to fully extinguish hot spots after the blaze.

Photo by Plainfield Fire Co. #1 Remnants of the improvised “hobo stove” that sparked the fire in Pachaug State Forest.

Photo by Plainfield Fire Co. #1 Charred ground in Pachaug State Forest shows the fire’s spread before it was contained.

Photo by Plainfield Fire Co. #1 Plainfield Fire crews staged equipment at the forest entrance to supply water and support operations.
On Monday afternoon, 11 August 2025, firefighters from the Plainfield Fire Company #1, aided by crews from Moosup, swiftly extinguished a three-quarter-acre woods fire in Pachaug State Forest off Spaulding Road in Plainfield. The Plainfield Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the blaze began from an unattended improvised cooking device, commonly known as a “hobo stove,” accidentally left burning in the woods.
Thanks to the rapid response, firefighters managed to control and clear the scene within approximately one hour, with no injuries reported. The cause was confirmed via official post by the Plainfield Fire Company #1 and corroborated by community updates.
As of now, there are no indications of larger impact or controlled burns nearby; the fire was handled efficiently, showcasing the readiness and coordination between regional fire departments. The swift resolution prevented any escalation and ensured safety in the nature preserve.