Brush Fires in Middlesex Fells at Edge of I-93

Brush fires off the right side I-93 North slowed rush hour traffic Monday afternoon as crews from Medford and Stoneham fought to keep them under control.

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.

Emergency scanner transmissions indicated there were several significant brush fires in the area.

Shortly before 4:30 p.m., firefighters with Stoneham Engine 4, parked along the northbound side of the highway near Exit 34, was seen packing up a fire hose. As of 4:45 p.m., Engine 4 had left the area, and traffic was backed up past the Stoneham and Melrose exit.

A message left with Stoneham Fire Department Monday afternoon has yet to be returned.

Return to Patch for updates later this evening.