Wildland fire in town of Washington DEC Forest Rangers – Week in Review

Town of Washington
Dutchess County
Wildland Fire: On April 14 at 2:55 p.m., Forest Ranger Sweeney responded to a fire on Valley Farm Road in the town of Washington. The illegal debris burning scorched 38 acres of private land. After making sure the fire was under control, Ranger Sweeney returned over the next two days to mop up hot spots. By April 16 at 12:43 p.m., the fire was declared out. The 82-year-old homeowner was issued tickets for violating the State’s burn ban.

New York’s annual statewide brush burning ban is in effect through May 14. Since 2009, DEC enforces the ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed, but only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these or any fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York website.

Wildland fire in town of Washington