'Unattended Illegal Campfire' Caused Branford Brush Fire: Chief

BRANFORD, CT — Firefighters from three towns fought a large brush fire caused by an "unattended illegal campfire" near the Branford and East Haven border late Saturday, fire officials said.

Branford firefighters, along with mutual aid from the East Haven and Guilford fire departments, battled the brush fire in the Beacon Hill Preserve.

The fire was reported just before 5 p.m. and was put under control by firefighters. But Branford fire Chief Tom Mahoney told Patch early Monday firefighters returned to the site early Sunday to stamp out hot spots before strong winds kicked up.

The Branford Fire Department said the Shoreline Trolley Museum assisted by shuttling crews to and from the remote area. The department noted that the fire was in a hilly area only accessible by foot or all-terrain vehicle.

"It was necessary to call extra personnel and special equipment," the department wrote on Facebook. "The majority of personnel are volunteers giving their time in support of our community."