Updated.
A grass fire early Saturday morning in Oak Bluffs is under investigation after fireworks set off by individuals on the beach ignited dry beach grass, officials said.
Oak Bluffs Fire and EMS were dispatched around 1:33 a.m. for a report of a brush fire on the beach in front of 65 Seaview Ave, across from Ocean Park, said Oak Bluffs Fire Chief Stephen Foster. Foster said the fire was on beach grass between the roadway and the beach.
“Due to dry conditions and warm temperatures the fire was rapidly spreading,” said Foster.
Foster said upon the arrival of the first fire crews, which included “three engine units and two command trucks,” the fire had already grown to approximately 100 feet long and 500 feet wide throughout the beach grass, with flames 10 to 15 feet in the air.
Foster said firefighters routed water from the fire hydrant at the Steamship Authority dock using a 600-foot hose.
“We were on scene for well over an hour and a half to make sure the area was completely extinguished,” said Foster.
Oak Bluffs officials confirmed illegal fireworks were involved and shot off by individuals on the beach. Discarded fireworks cartridges were recovered at the scene. The fire is still under investigation.
“This goes to show with the dry weather and holiday season how illegal fireworks should not be used,” said Foster to The Times. “We have a high heat seasonal temperature, and these conditions we have can create rapid fire growth. But all in all, no injuries, everyone was safe, and the fire was completely extinguished.”
The person who reported the fire told first responders it was caused by illegal fireworks set off from a nearby beach, according to Oak Bluffs Chief of Police Jonathan Searle. By the time firefighters arrived, people who were in the area of the fire had dispersed.
Crews extinguished the fire by 3:10 am.
The incident remained under investigation Saturday morning as police analyzed video evidence in an attempt to identify suspects, said Searle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Oak Bluffs Police.
“This is why fireworks are discouraged,” said Searle.
‘I’d like to thank our crews and Oak Bluffs Police for our joint cooperation and strong work during this holiday season,” said Foster.
Editor’s note: Updated with comments from Oak Bluffs Fire Chief Stephen Foster.
