On Thursday April 24th 1 ½ to 2 acres of a wooded area near Community Field caught fire.

While children played in the playground under the watchful eyes of parents, several hundred yards away, Holyoke firefighters from Engine 3 and Engine 6 Group D were working to put out a fire.

They had to drag fire hoses and tools several hundred yards into the woods and up a steep incline just to get to combat the fire.

Fire Department Lt. David Rex said the fire was along a walking trail between Community Field and Scott Tower.

He said there was no good reason for the fire to start so deep into the woods.

“Someone walking by probably threw a cigarette,” he said.
 
It took more than an hour to contain the fire, he said. After putting out the flames, firefighters have to root through the brush, leaves and sticks to look for remaining embers, and then hose everything down again, he said.

Otherwise, it will just flare up again, he said.

Patrick Johnson / The Republican

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