J.D. Clements, chief of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, called Saturday’s brush fire in the northwestern part of county, "the biggest fire disaster we’ve seen in 50 years."

Brush fires fueled by high winds and dry conditions kept firefighters busy in northern and southern parts of Gloucester over the weekend, but the biggest fire by far took place in the Signpine area.

No one was injured as a result of the wind-blown flames, but the fire displaced three families, caused an untold amount of other property damage, and scorched 700 acres.

GVFRD volunteers were called to Starvation Road just after 3 p.m. Saturday to begin a 24-hour brush fire battle, said Gloucester Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Darrell Warren. Warren also serves as deputy coordinator for Gloucester Emergency Services.

Warren said firefighters found several hundred acres burning in the area and high winds rapidly spread the flames. He said the fire ultimately sp...