Castleton Fire Department Assisted at Berlin Forest Fire

Berlin, N.Y. — October 27 — Four members from the Castleton Fire Department helped fire crews battling a large forest fire in the Berlin area.Utility 6 transported two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to support the firefighting efforts.

The Castleton team worked together with the Nassau Fire Department, East Schodack Fire Company and several other agencies during the ongoing fire operation. The ATVs helped crews move around in areas where traditional vehicles could not easily access.

The wildfire was near the Taconic Crest Trail, along the border between New York and Massachusetts. It spread across about 251 acres in Rensselaer County and Berkshire County. The steep, rocky landscape and dry forest conditions made it difficult for firefighters to create and secure containment lines.

State officials reported that the fire was 100% contained on October 27. However, this did not mean the operation was over. Firefighters and forest crews continued to work in the area to put out any remaining hotspots, check for burning vegetation and lower the risk of new fires starting.

The response included personnel from New York, Massachusetts and Vermont, along with state forest rangers and other supporting agencies. The assistance from the Castleton Fire Department provided extra equipment and personnel during the regional fire response. The department operated from their station at 11 Green Avenue in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York.