Brush Fires Reported Along Route 93

Updated: 6:22 p.m.

The brush fires along Route 93 are out, and the right lane is now open, according to the Massachusetts State Police.

Original Post: 4:10 p.m.

Brush fires off the right side I-93 North near Winchester slowed rush hour traffic Monday afternoon as firefighters fought to keep them under control.

The Massachusetts State Police tweeted:

"Brush fires burning along RT93 Stoneham and Medford area."

Fire crews were called to the Fells about 3 p.m. Monday and were still on scene as of about 4:15 p.m. Multiple fire vehicles were parked in the breakdown lane of the northbound side of the interstate in between exits 33 and 34. Smoke lightly wafted from near Spot Pond in the Fells onto the northbound side of the highway.

Dave Procopio of the Massachusetts State Police Media Relations Unit told Patch police have closed the right lane on Route 93 North to allow Woburn and Reading firefighters access to perform firefighting operations.

Procopio said the lane should be re-opened within a half-hour, but said that because rush hour is approaching there will be "residual back-ups." Travelers should expect delays.

Firefighters are also fighting brush fires in Medford in the Middlesex Fells, in Stoneham along Route 93 and another in Woburn on Route 93 at the Commerce Way exit, according to scanner reports.

There is also a report of another brush fire in Wilmington at the Route 129 exit.

Wilmington Deputy Fire Chief John Brown said six trucks on scene have been fighting the fire for about 30 minutes.

"That's exactly what it is, the dry conditions," Brown explained. "A little bit of a breeze and it takes off like crazy because the grass is so dry." 

Procopio said at this time the source of the brush fires is unknown.

Patch will bring further information once it is available.