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Apparently Extinguished on Friday, Smouldering Embers Reignite, Causing Uncontrolled Brushfire in Rocky Hill Sanctuary

For the second time in three years, uncontrolled brushfires spread across parts of the remote Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, blackening about 12 acres. The fire was first reported last Friday. Selectman Peter Cunnigham said the Groton Fire Department responded, found the illegal campfire and extinguished it, believing the fire had been completely quenched.

But, somehow, embers must have been smoldering underground because the fire reignited Saturday morning. Over the weekend surrounding towns, including Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, Townsend, Lunenburg, Tyngsboro, and others provided mutual aid to control the fire, a fire fanned by high weekend winds.

According to Peter Cunningham, the fire is now contained but receives monitoring for possible 'hot spots'. Due to the remoteness of the area, far from roadways and reliable water sources, the fire needs to burn itself out while being carefully monitored. The source of the fire is believed to be an incompletely extinguished campfire, a campfire on an island within the Wildlife Sanctuary, a fire that spread to the surrounding forest. [See Photo] Fortunately, nobody has been injured in fighting the fire.

Although the Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary starts near Route 119 behind Shaw's Market, its more than 370 acres extends into remote, relatively inaccessible areas, reaching all the way to Sandy Pond in Ayer. The area is ideal for wildlife habitat but not suited for conventional firefighting.

This is the second time in three years the town has had to fight a major forest fire in the area, expending significant resources. Since the Massachusetts Audubon Society is responsible for management of the area, Selectman Cunnigham said the town will meet with Audubon to develop plans to better monitor, supervise and manage recreational activities in the area.

Groton Herald

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