Pownal Firefighters Assist at Major Brush Fire in Berlin, New York

— October 26, 2026 — From the Pownal Fire Department, ten firefighters went to Berlin, New York, on Monday to help with a big brush fire in the woods near the Massachusetts border. 

At Pownal's direction, Brush 1-7 and UTV 17-1, accompanied by a ten-person crew, were sent to assist with the regional firefighting effort. 

A fire started on Sunday morning, October 25, near Mattison Hollow Road and the Taconic Crest Trail. When the Berlin Fire Department arrived, they discovered about 1.5 acres engulfed in flames. The fire moved through steep, rocky terrain blanketed with dry leaves and vegetation, which complicated access and suppression efforts. 

Firefighters from New York, Massachusetts and Vermont joined the response. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, local fire departments and other agencies worked to establish and strengthen containment lines.

Crews faced challenging conditions, with some personnel required to travel along trails and hike more than a mile through the woods to reach the fire. New York State Police helicopters also conducted water drops to support ground operations.

By Monday evening, the fire had grown to approximately 198 acres and was reported to be 50 percent contained. On Tuesday, October 27, officials reported that the fire had reached approximately 251 acres before being declared fully contained.

No homes were reported damaged, and no firefighter injuries were reported during the major operation. Officials continued monitoring hot spots and working inside the fire perimeter after containment was established.

Pownal's deployment added specialized brush and off-road resources to the multi-state response. The operation demonstrated the importance of regional mutual aid when wildfires involve difficult terrain and require resources beyond those available to one community.