The Hopkinton Fire Department has deemed several recent fires in the Mast Yard State Forest as “suspicious,” the chief said.
The most recent blaze was Sunday afternoon, and interim Chief Shawn Murray said crews had it under control in about three to four hours. The fire covered a little more than 1 acre.
“We couldn’t pinpoint the actual origin of fire,” Murray said. “Typically, you might find a campfire, or it might be a lightning strike. None of that was obvious that we could see, so we’re still looking into it.”
Murray estimated the department has responded to two or three similar suspicious fires in the state forest in recent months. Their locations have been spread out, he said, but the causes are still undetermined.
“That’s why we classify it as suspicious until we can investigate it further and see if there’s anything else underlying there,” he said.
The chief noted the large forest is often used by runners, bikers and others for recreation, and he asked anyone with information about these fires contact the department. The station is located at 9 Pine St. in Contoocook and can be reached at 746-3181.