Stony Brook Reservation, West Roxbury, Boston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A significant brush fire erupted in the Stony Brook Reservation in West Roxbury, Boston, escalating to a two-alarm fire. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, which produced visible flames and smoke. No injuries have been reported. Crews are investigating a possible connection to a nearby homeless encampment while also monitoring the area for hot spots as containment efforts continue.
Boston
Large brush fire erupts in West Roxbury’s Stony Brook Reservation; no injuries reported
A brush fire broke out Thursday afternoon in the Stony Brook Reservation in southern Boston and grew into a two-alarm fire before crews contained it. The blaze was first reported at about 4:30 PM, producing visible flames and thick smoke above the woods between Enneking Parkway and Washington Street. Firefighters responded quickly, and there were no immediate reports of injuries.
What happened and immediate response
Fire crews were dispatched promptly and laid approximately 3,000 feet of hose to connect to hydrants and supply water. Because conditions were dry, firefighters also used foam to extinguish flames and reduce the risk of rekindling. Ground crews worked with hand tools — including shovels, rakes, and axes — to stop the fire from spreading beyond its initial footprint, which responders estimated to be about the size of a football field.
Containment and ongoing work
Crews remained on site, continuing to battle the fire and monitor for hot spots until after 6:30 PM. Firefighters focused on full extinguishment and preventing flare-ups in the dry brush. Investigators from the fire department visited the area to determine a cause and are examining a nearby homeless encampment as a possible origin of the fire. The incident is being treated as a developing situation, and further findings will be released when available.
Location context and risk factors
The Stony Brook Reservation is a known location for brush fires, especially during dry weather. The combination of dry vegetation and human activity increases the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly in that area. The use of foam, hand tools, and extensive hose lines reflects efforts to both extinguish active flames and limit the chance of re-ignition.
Public safety and current status
At the time emergency crews were still on scene continuing to monitor the area for hot spots. There were no reports of injuries to residents or first responders. Local investigators are working to identify the cause and to determine if any additional safety measures or advisories are needed for the neighborhood and the reservation.
Next steps
Officials will continue to investigate and monitor the site while crews finish extinguishing remaining hot spots. Updates are expected as investigators complete their work and as more information becomes available about the origin and any follow-up actions.
FAQ
What happened?
A brush fire ignited in the Stony Brook Reservation in southern Boston on Thursday and escalated to a two-alarm fire. Firefighters responded and worked to extinguish and contain the blaze.
When did the fire start?
The fire was first reported at about 4:30 PM.
Where did the fire occur?
The fire burned in woods within the Stony Brook Reservation, visible between Enneking Parkway and Washington Street.
How large was the fire?
Responders said the initial area affected was about the size of a football field.
Were there any injuries?
There were no immediate reports of injuries to residents or firefighters.
What methods did firefighters use?
Crews used water delivered through roughly 3,000 feet of hose, applied foam to prevent rekindling, and used hand tools such as shovels, rakes, and axes to contain the fire.
What is the suspected cause?
Investigators are looking into a nearby homeless encampment as a possible cause, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Is the Stony Brook Reservation at risk for more fires?
The reservation is known to experience brush fires during dry weather. Dry vegetation and human activity can increase the risk of new fires starting.
Where can I get updates?
This is a developing story. Additional information will be released as investigators and fire officials complete their work.
Incident summary table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Stony Brook Reservation (between Enneking Parkway and Washington Street), West Roxbury, Boston |
| Time reported | About 4:30 PM (Thursday) |
| Alarm level | Two-alarm fire |
| Estimated size | About the size of a football field |
| Firefighting resources | Approximately 3,000 feet of hose, foam application, hand tools (shovels, rakes, axes) |
| Injuries | No immediate reports of injuries |
| Containment/monitoring | Crews remained on site until after 6:30 PM monitoring for hot spots |
| Investigation | Investigators are examining a nearby homeless encampment as a possible cause; investigation ongoing |
| Risk note | Stony Brook Reservation is known for brush fires during dry weather |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Fire Seen Burning in Boston Park
- Wikipedia: Fire Detection and Suppression
- Boston 25 News: Crews Battle Large Brush Fire in West Roxbury
- Google Search: Boston Brush Fire
- Universal Hub: Two-Alarm Brush Fire Erupts in Stony Brook Reservation
- Google Scholar: Boston Fire Safety
- ABC News: Canada Wildfires Prompt Air Quality Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brush Fires
- CBS News: Large Brush Fire Burning on Cape Cod
- Google News: Boston Fire News
- WHDH: Crews Battle Large Brush Fire in Leominster
- NBC Boston: Cape Cod Brush Fire Smoke
- CBS News: Joint Base Cape Cod Brush Fire Controlled Burn
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
