BLACK BROOK, NY - On May 15th at 5:06 P.M., the Au Sable Forks Fire Department was toned out for a wildland fire at Stevens Landing Way located on the Fern Lake Road. The first truck was out at 5:10 P.M. and on scene at 5:17 P.M.

Upon arrival at the location a large smoke plume was observed on the mountain in back of the Steven’s Landing. As this fire was located off of the paved road, the Chief with the aid of a local 4-wheeler, drove up the mountain to ascertain the location, size and the best way to access this fire. It took some time to locate the fire, but once located Chief McKie 110 directed his resources into the fire location.

There was a brisk wind that day causing the fire to spread rapidly and Chief McKie, called for Mutual Aid to the scene from Jay, Upper Jay, Wilmington, Saranac, with Peru on standby at the station. The mutual aid companies responded with Tankers and UTVs. The terrain was very muddy and rocky and our UTV got stuck, as well as one of our Mutual Aid company's brush truck.

Au Sable Forks responded with Engine 111, Tanker 114, Tanker 115, Brush Truck 117, Squad 119, 19 Members and the Auxiliary for refreshments. NYS DEC responded with a Forrest Ranger to assist in fire suppression. There was a logging company working in the area and the Chief requisitioned a dozer to complete a fire line around the fire. Chief McKie, turned control of the fire over to DEC after the dozer line was completed.

The department left the scene at 9:25 P.M. and returned to the station where all equipment was cleaned, serviced and placed back in service.