FARMINGTON — Firefighters have not determined how a two-alarm brushfire began Thursday afternoon but believe it is connected to several other suspicious fires set in the woods along Route 11.

Fire Chief Richard Fowler said firefighters returned to the area behind the former Collins & Aikman facility Friday morning to extinguish a few hot spots.

“The humidity keeps it in check,” Fowler said Friday, adding it was challenging since the fire burned so deep – up to six inches underground – because of the dry conditions.

After rain passed through the area Sunday, the state Division of Forests and Lands predicted the humidity will help reduce the risk of fires. As of Monday, there were moderate fire danger levels — class 2 on a scale of 5 — throughout the state, according to the website at http://www.nhdfl.org/.

Fowler said it would take a larger amount of steady rainfall to make a difference in the danger levels, which is another reason why the recent string of fires has him concerned.

About 1½ acres was scorched before firefighters from seven departments extinguished the blaze after about three hours. The fire did not destroy any buildings or cause any injuries.

“It was suspicious in nature along with the others we’ve had up there,” Fowler said, adding firefighters have responded to five suspicious fires between the Dairy Barn and Rite Aid pharmacy – since April.

Fowler said all of the recent fires occurred in the woods west of Route 11, which can be accessed by a former railroad bed used for recreational vehicles and snowmobiles.

He said the trail can be accessed from several nearby roads, including Meetinghouse Hill, Paulson and River roads.

“We don’t want anyone getting hurt — either firefighter or members of the public,” Fowler said adding a firefighter was injured during a brushfire behind The Dairy Barn.

Fowler said firefighters continue to investigate all of the recent fires.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call fire officials at 755-2131 or police at 755-2731. Anonymous tips can be left at the Farmington Crimeline at 755-9797.

jquinn@newstote.com