Cost Of Fighting Rocky Hill Brush Fire Tops $46,000 [with video]

Fire Chief Joe Bosselait reported to Selectmen Monday night that the cost to Groton for the firefighting efforts at the recent fire on the Mass. Audubon site off Rte. 119 and Sandy Pond Road was some $6100 while the cost to the multiple Mutual Aid towns that responded to the call was estimated at $40,000.

"This is the second time there was a major fire up there," the Chief said stressing that the fire was started as a result of illegal camping on the Mass. Audubon property. He added that the cause of the fire two years ago was also illegal camping.

The Fire Chief thanked all responding towns for their support with this fire. He also thanked DPW Director Tom Delaney for his fast response in opening up difficult areas of the terrain so that firefighters could get in on four-wheelers and a half track.

Selectman Chairman Peter Cunningham is concerned that these uncontrolled fires pose serious threats to the endangered species on the site. He said he felt that Mass. Audubon was "lax in policing," the area that has strict restrictions for public access, adding that allowing access to groups of people would be a form of policing.

He suggested that a conversation with the Groton Conservation Commission which holds restrictions on the property along with Mass. Audubon was in order to discuss Mass. Audubon's stewardship of the large tract of land.