Meet The Volunteer Firefighters Battling A Historic Wildfire

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Golden's Bridge firefighters are among the hundreds of local volunteer firefighters from across the Hudson Valley who are putting in long, difficult hours to battle the wildfire in neighboring Orange County.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

At the crack of dawn this past Monday (Nov. 11), fire apparatus from the volunteer fire departments of Bedford Hills, Briarcliff, Golden’s Bridge, Katonah and Somers caravanned across the river to Orange County, responding to the call by the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, which canvassed local fire departments for mutual aid response to the Greenwood Lake area wildfire that now spans some 5,000 acres on the New York-New Jersey border.

"When we put the call out to our members to assemble a five-person crew, the slots were filled within minutes. Our members didn’t hesitate and were eager to help in any way they could. Their talent, training, skills and dedication were put into action. We probably could’ve sent two or three crews, but we needed to maintain personnel in our own fire district," said Fire Chief Albert Melillo of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, which has been battling numerous brush fires in its coverage area (Golden's Bridge and parts of North Salem and Somers) and as part of mutual aid in neighboring towns in Northern Westchester over the past month.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department crew that volunteered in Greenwood Lake in Orange County consisted of Senior Lieutenant of Department Doug Orlovitz, Lieutenant of Engine Company Saurabh Mehta, firefighters Dennis Delborgo and Alec Fisher, and probationary firefighter Joseph Archina.

Upon their arrival, they were immediately assigned by on-site command to cutting line — a process designed to deprive a wildfire of fuel by creating a barrier to curtail further spreading. The Golden's Bridge Fire Department crew cut an 8-to-10-foot-wide, more than 2-mile-long fire line.

"It was very labor-intensive work in unforgiving terrain. We used hand tools to cut, scrape and dig all vegetation along the line we built, and ultimately scraped the surface down to bare mineral soil. The line needed to be wide enough to prevent smoldering and burning embers from blowing across and spreading the fire," explained Golden’s Bridge Fire Lt. Saurabh Mehta, who said fire lines are vital to keeping wildfire from encroaching on residential homes — although shifting winds sometimes cause the fire to jump the lines.

"Much of the terrain where our firefighting crew and the crews of our mutual aid partners were assigned was rugged, steep and difficult to access. It meant that before they even started cutting lines, they had to first hike into the area carrying their gear, equipment, and water and food supplies. They also had to contend with intense smoke. But they were well-equipped and prepared for this event because of the countless hours of training that takes place year-round," said Golden’s Bridge First Assistant Chief James McManus, who stocked GBFD’s Rescue 25 the night before they departed for their mission with rakes, shovels, chainsaws and other brush-related hand tools, as well as specialized forestry equipment and firefighting hose and pumps.

"Firefighting is about family and teamwork. When Westchester County fire departments are requested to assist another fire department regardless of where it is, we deliver. I’m proud of the teamwork and dedication of our firefighters at this challenging fire," said Fire Chief Matt Whalen of the Katonah Fire Department.

Added Golden’s Bridge Fire Lt. Mehta, "Unit cohesion and team camaraderie among all of the firefighters on scene was critical under such difficult and challenging conditions."

Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Melillo cautioned area residents to be mindful before tossing a lit cigarette from their car window, and to refrain from using outdoor fire pits and barbecue grills, and even indoor fireplaces, at least until the drought warning is lifted.

"People don’t realize that embers are emitted from a fireplace chimney, and sparks escape from a fire pit or grill – all of which can ignite surrounding vegetation, and more so in the current state of drought. Dry leaves and other autumn brush debris blanketing the ground, coupled with high winds and warm temperatures, all adds up to the perfect storm of brush and wild fires. Please use caution and immediately report any smoke or fire you might see in the woods and along roadways," Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Melillo said.

"It has been extremely challenging this year because of historic weather conditions. We have seen brush fires in our Northern Westchester towns lead to structure fires more than ever before – to structures like sheds and free-standing garages, and even encroaching on the siding of homes. But the response and teamwork of Golden’s Bridge firefighters and our mutual aid partners has minimized damage and kept people safe," Melillo added.

This release was produced by the Golden's Bridge Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.