Bellingham Fire, Many Nearby Departments Battle Mulch and Brush Fire

BELLINGHAM — Chief William Miller reports that the Bellingham Fire Department and crews from many neighboring communities worked for more than five hours Sunday to contain a sprawling mulch and brush fire. There were no injuries.

Bellingham firefighters first received a call around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, April 20, about a mulch fire at D&D Mulch and Landscape, 236 Maple St.

Crews quickly responded to the industrial property to attack a fire at two 10,000-yard mulch piles, which Miller said likely was caused by spontaneous combustion. Immediately firefighters requested regional assistance, with more than a dozen other departments providing some form of mutual aid.

Soon the fire jumped to nearby brush, and 6-1/2 acres were consumed.

The fire scene is located along a power line right of way and next to Interstate 495, creating added complications on a day that was warm and windy, ideal for quick-spreading fires.

“First, our crews did a great job immediately responding to the scene and evaluating the situation,” Chief Miller said. “As we requested further assistance, nearby departments stepped up and helped, despite dealing with their own brush fires. We’re really grateful for their help.”

It took until 2 p.m. for firefighters to declare things under control.

The fire claimed an excavator and a wheel loader from D&D. No buildings were damaged. Some fire departments’ hose lines were knocked out of service.

Chief Miller estimated that at least 20 pieces of equipment and 50 firefighters were at the scene.

Foxborough, Norwood and Hopedale provided off-road equipment as part of the firefighting efforts. Brush trucks came from Milford and Mendon. Engines and other apparatus came from Milford, Hopkinton, Westborough, Mendon, Norfolk, Medway, Mansfield, Walpole, Norwood, Hopedale, Wrentham and the state Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry. Plainville’s ambulance team also was on scene.

Franklin firefighters covered Bellingham’s stations.

Chief Miller urges Bellingham residents to use caution, especially on windy days, and be aware of the dangers of fast-moving brush fires.

“These type of fires can quickly spiral out of control,” Chief Miller said.

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