SPARROWBUSH, NY – Sparrowbush Engine Company responded to a November 5 brush fire on Old Country Road that accidentally sparked in a resident’s yard and was initially very small. Drought conditions and a brisk breeze changed that situation as fire units arrived quickly on scene to find flames being suddenly fanned by wind and extending up a steep bank and into the rural, wooded area surrounding the fire’s source.

SECO 1^st Assistant Chief Michael Reiser said the extension eventually reached an area of about 50 X 200 feet before being contained and then extinguished through the fast actions of responding fire units. Reiser noted that a stone wall at the top of the bank also helped firefighters stop flames from extending further on one section of the affected area.

Reiser warned that while recent burn bans had been lifted, dry, windy conditions are always a cause to be extra careful. While not speaking specifically about this call, he urged all not to burn in windy, dry conditions, and – if burning – always have a water source such as a garden hose quickly available and continuously watch what it being burned.

“We may not have a burn ban, but we have to be extra smart during these conditions,” Reiser said. “Luckily today we had very skilled and trained volunteers from the area who responded rapidly and made a difference. Very amazing work was done by everybody.” 

No one was injured and all buildings were protected from damage. The cause of the blaze was not immediately available.

Units involved were SECO (engine, tanker, and brush truck), Port Jervis Fire Department (engine and UTV), Huguenot Fire Company (engine and tanker), Westfall Fire Department (engine), Town of Deerpark Police Department, New York State Police, and Battalion 8 Deputy Fire Coordinator Jeff Rhoades.