Several large brush fires broke out across the region this weekend amid the ongoing dry weather.
A large brush fire had been smoldering for a day off Cain Road and Highland Avenue in Salem before flames broke out early Sunday morning.
Salem firefighters were trying to contain the blaze via a controlled burn, according to reports, but also had to work to protect buildings and homes close to the flames. The fire also threatened a cell tower at one point.
A public safety alert just before 10 a.m. urged residents to avoid the area.
In Beverly, a brush fire broke out near 40 Enon St., behind McDonald’s toward Wenham Lake, on Saturday blanketing the area in smoke.
Two brush fires were also reported in Topsfield on Saturday. And yet another brush fire was reported in Middleton Sunday afternoon near Emerson Brook Reservoir.
A red flag warning is in place across Massachusetts, indicating extreme fire danger.