Golden’s Bridge FD Chief Sounds The Alarm Ahead Of Brush Fire Season

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE — After a weekend of torrential rains, the hazards of brush fires might not be at the top of our minds, but Fire Chief Albert Melillo of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department warns this is exactly the right time to start thinking about heading off a potential calamity.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

Spring is in the air – and that means it's brush fire season, cautions a local fire official.

The lack of snowfall over the winter, last fall’s dried leaves and other brush debris blanketing the ground, minimal green vegetation, and springtime’s warmer temperatures and often gusty wind conditions all add up to the perfect storm for brush fires, according to Fire Chief Albert Melillo of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department.

"Spring is one of the most dangerous – if not the most dangerous – times of the year for brush fires in the Northeast, especially in communities with wooded landscapes, like Lewisboro, Somers, North Salem, Croton Falls, Pound Ridge and other surrounding areas," said Melillo.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief said that an understanding of the science helps to explain how the potential for brush and other wildfires increases dramatically during springtime.

According to conservation experts, explained Melillo, warming temperatures and the sun heats up dried grass, leaves and other brush – think of it as kindling, he says – from the previous year’s autumn season and serve as fuel for brush fires. When combined with other elements, such as wind currents, lightning, and the absence of green vegetation, brush fires can easily ignite and spread quickly. They can also start as a result of human carelessness.

"Think twice before you toss a lit cigarette from your vehicle window, and use extra care when you’re filling your lawn mower or weed trimmer with gasoline – and even when you are cooking on your charcoal and gas barbecue grill. It just takes a single spark to cause a brush fire," said the Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief, who added, “And, certainly, don’t burn leaves and debris in your backyard. It’s dangerous, illegal, and could have catastrophic results.”

New York enforces an annual statewide springtime residential "burn ban" to help reduce the risk of brush fires and wildfires, and to protect lives and property during heightened conditions for these fire events. The Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEC) 2024 seasonal burn ban, part of the open burning regulations established by the state in 2009, is in effect until May 14 – although burning leaves and garbage is prohibited year-round in New York State, including Westchester County.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department has already responded to multiple brush fires this month, although they were ignited by burning power lines that were toppled by gusty winds. Golden’s Bridge Firefighters participate in annual training drills to sharpen their skills in various methods utilized to contain and extinguish brush fires.

"With the increased potential for brush fires during springtime, vigilance and caution are the best defense against these outbreaks – complying with open burn laws, and immediately calling 911 to report smoke or fire along a roadside or in the brush of a wooded area," said Melillo. "Timely response could mean the difference between Golden’s Bridge Firefighters containing – and ultimately extinguishing – a brush fire, or the fire possibly spreading and becoming a threat to human life, homes, property, natural resources, and wildlife."

Tips on how to minimize and prevent the occurrence of brush fires can be found on the websites of agencies, such as the state’s DEC and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, according to the Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief – for example, they recommend clearing leaves and debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks; removing dead vegetation from under decks, and avoid accumulating debris and combustible materials in enclosed areas below decks and patios.

Whenever there is a moderate risk for brush fires and wildfires anywhere in the state, the DEC posts these locations on the "Fire Danger Map" on its website, which also has a list of the agency’s regional offices and additional information about open burning restrictions.