State Police Air Wing Unit Helps Douse Norton Forest Fire

NORTON, MA — The State Police Air Wing unit was on its way back to its Plymouth base from helping douse a Deerfield forest fire late Thursday afternoon when crews realized their day wasn't quite finished yet.

State Police said Air 1 and Air 2 were returning from Plymouth about 5:30 when thick smoke was spotted from a wooded area in Norton near the Mansfield Municipal Airport. The unit contacted Norton police and fire, and State Police said they were informed the town crews had been battling the fire for more than an hour.

About an hour later, MSP flight crews began dropping water on the fire from the helicopters — through what are called "Bambi Buckets." They said the drops continued for about an hour until the fire was under control and nearly extinguished.

State Police said both crews returned to the Plymouth base having successfully fought fires in both Deerfield and Norton, in cooperation with local fire departments.

Spring is a fertile time of year for forest fires due to warming temperatures, often strong winds and emerging vegetation.

Related Patch Content: Video: State Police Help Battle Forest Fire In Western MA