Property Owner Charged With Burn Ban Violation After Fire Department Responds To 'Large Brush Fire': Police

RED HOOK, NY — The governor has declared a burn ban for the entire state of New York, and the risk of wildfires remains high, but police say a property owner in Dutchess County wasn't exactly subtle about violating the ban.

The Red Hook Police Department says that on Friday, around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to Budds Corners Road, in the Town of Red Hook, to help the Tivoli Fire Department with a large brush fire.

An investigation found that the large fire was composed of mostly construction material and waste. Police say the fire was extinguished by Tivoli firefighters within minutes of their arrival.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officers also responded to the location to assist Red Hook patrols.

New York is currently under a temporary burn ban from October 2 through October 15.

The property owner, a 56-year-old man, was charged with unlawful disposal of solid waste, and violation of the NYS burn ban. He is due to appear in town court at a later date.