Brush fires burned throughout New England Friday, including three Eastern Massachusetts communities — Cambridge, Gloucester, and a very large fire in Lexington that required dozens of fire units from across the state for mutual aid.

The Boston Globe reported that a fire broke out along the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge and that 35 acres burned in Gloucester. The Lexington fire was being battled most of the day.

Lexington fire officials said that 40 fire units were used from several communities, including 17 engine trucks and nine brush units.

Several outdoor fires were also reported in Boston.

There was no word on injuries.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for most of New England and eastern New York until 8 p.m. this evening, and will probably continue the alert tomorrow.

According to the Weather Service, low humidity, 15-25 percent, and high wind gusts combined with a lack of rain lately have created perfect conditions for fires.

“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly,” the Weather Service said.

About The Author

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine and the Blast Magazine Network. He can be reached at [email protected]. Tweet @johnguilfoil.

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