Firefighters Contain Wind-Driven Brush Fire
 
By Chief Daniel Dreyer
March 9, 2017
 

In the midst of a mild, gusty afternoon, Croton Falls firefighters were assisted by several area fire departments at a large, smoky brush fire near the intersection of June and Baxter Roads. A strong wind from the west pushed the brush fire through the woods towards some private residences and Pequenakonck Elementary School (PQES) before firefighters contained and extinguished the fire.

Croton Falls firefighters were dispatched at 15:24 hours to the area of 158 June Road for a reported brush fire. Ex-Chief Jason Blauvelt was on location in six minutes with Mini Attack 16 and confirmed the fire. Recognizing the potential for rapid fire spread with the dry, gusty weather, mutual aid units were called within minutes from neighboring fire departments. With additional firefighters and apparatus in place, the fire was encircled and extinguished before any buildings were damaged. PQES staff monitored the fire's spread and prepared to evacuate the school if needed, but at no time were the school, students, staff and faculty in danger.

All units were released shortly after 17:00 hours, but not before Croton Falls firefighters, the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a Westchester EMS paramedic responded to an EMS call on Spring Hill Road.

 
Units: Car 2072, Mini Attack 16, Mini Attack 17, Utility 64, Rescue 28, Tanker 8
 
Mutual Aid: Bedford Hills Engine 198, Golden's Bridge Tanker 1, Katonah Tanker 6, Somers Engine 183, South Salem Car 2451, South Salem Car 2453, South Salem Engine 167, South Salem Tanker 2, WCDES Battalion 16, North Salem Police, NYSEG
 
Hyperlinks: LoHud video