BOXFORD – Firefighters in Massachusetts are being warned about the danger of falling trees as they continue to battle brush fires in the state.
Sunday evening’s wildfire activity briefing from the Department of Conservation & Recreation included an alert about live and dead trees, known as “snag trees,” posing a risk to firefighters as they burn.
“There are daily reports of near misses and increasing concerns of snags posing safety risks to firefighters on the fireline,” the message said. “Please brief all personnel, insist on wearing proper PPE, including hardhats or helmets, and if in doubt avoid areas with burning dead snags.”
“A lot of risks” for firefighters
Earlier this month, New York forest ranger Dariel Vasquez was killed by a falling tree while helping to fight a fire near the New Jersey border…