Chief: Cigarette Likely Cause of Small Brush Fire

A small brush fire broke out mid-afternoon Wednesday near the exit 18 on I-95 northbound in Needham.

Dedham and Needham firefighters responded as it remained unclear which side of the border the fire was, according to Needham Fire Chief Paul Buckley.

Little rain in Needham over the past 10 days combined with temperatures in the 90s for the past four days, as well as a dry ground created the perfect mix for a brush fire to start, Buckley said.

"All you need is an ignition (to start it)," Buckley said. "I think it was a careless disposal of a cigarette."

As temperatures aren't expected to break until Saturday night – also when rain is next in the forecast – Buckley cautioned residents to wait for things like cigarette butts and charcoal to stop burning before disposing of them.

With the Dedham Fire Department on site and having good access to the fire, Buckley said they put it out quickly and no homes were in danger.

"Nobody wants rain on a weekend, but it'll help," Buckley said. "Any rain right now would be helpful."

Northbound traffic quickly backed up as police closed the breakdown lane and the right two lanes. Southbound traffic slowed as rubber-necking drivers checked to see what was happening.