Boston man faces charges after brush fire erupts West Street Milford

(This story was updated to provide additional information.)

MILFORD — At a time when several large brush fires have been reported throughout the state, a Boston man is facing charges of setting a fire Saturday morning in a wooded area off West Street (Route 140).

Police arrested Devonte Johnson, 28, of Dorchester, after the 8:49 a.m. fire near 296 West St.

"I don't know if 'accidental' is the right word — it's more carelessness," said Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino. "We don't know exactly what his intent was, but I don't really suspect there was anything nefarious."

Johnson pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment in Milford District Court. Judge Richard Eustis set bail at $500, which Johnson posted.

Johnson's lawyer, Daniel Doyle, could not be reached for comment.

It appeared Johnson was setting up a camp in the area, but it's unclear whether he planned to live there or if it was just for the day, Tusino said. The land is owned by the town.

Find the hot spots:Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings on this map

Tusino said when police responded to the scene, a witness said they saw Johnson running from the area. When Johnson saw officers walking toward him, he allegedly ran away, Tusino said.

A passerby saw smoke coming from the area and called 911. When the Fire Department arrived, the fire had spread quickly, Fire Chief Mark Nelson said.

"Due to the size and how fast it was burning, we called all firefighters to come to the scene," he said.

Nelson said the fire was difficult to fight because firefighters had to walk up a slippery hill and then back down another hill into an almost valley-like area where the fire was spreading. He said about a half-acre was burned.

There were no hydrants nearby, so fire trucks had to continuously drive to where they could find them, then refill and return to the scene.

"The brush was thick and slippery," said Nelson. "It made things more difficult."

'Preventable fires':Officials say Mass. brush fires are impacting air quality

The fire spread quickly due to dry conditions. The state Fire Marshal's Office has declared a red flag warning due to conditions being ripe for brush fire — no rain and dry and windy conditions.

Over the past week or so, there have been large brush fires reported throughout the state. Nelson said Milford firefighters, along with those from several other local communities, traveled to Salem last week to help with a large brush fire.

Other local fire chiefs said this has been a unique autumn.

"This is an unusual time of the year for brush fires," Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher said. "Usually, the ground is wet, but the dry weather is absolutely wreaking havoc. All of the leaves from the trees is creating a perfect storm of materials to start and spread fires."

Gov. Maura T. Healey and state Fire Marshal Jon Davine have called on residents to not partake in any outdoor activities involving open fires.

“As we confront an unprecedented fall fire season, I’m asking all our residents to protect themselves, their neighbors, and their communities by refraining from any outdoor activities that involve open flames, sparks and embers, or other heat sources,” Healey said in a prepared statement.

Davine said the statewide fire mobilization plan has been used more than a dozen times since Oct. 1.

“The mobilization plan coordinates the delivery of firefighting resources across Massachusetts to support local departments and mutual aid so that communities aren’t overwhelmed by a large-scale or long-term event," he said in a prepared statement.

Police have charged Johnson with setting fire on another's land; illegally setting an open fire; disorderly conduct; and disturbing the peace.

Johnson is due back in court on Dec. 5 for a pretrial conference.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.