By DIANE VALDEN
ANCRAM—Recent weather conditions marked by drought, low humidity, warm temperatures and wind have prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to rate the Hudson Valley, 19 counties from Rensselaer County in the north to Suffolk County, Long Island in the south as having a “high” risk of fire danger as of October 30. Only “very high” and “extreme” ratings are more dangerous. The remainder of the state is at moderate fire risk.
A high risk of fire danger means, “All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small,” according to the DEC’s Fire Danger Map at dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/fire-danger-map.
In an October 27 townwide email, Ancram Fire Chief David Boice issued a request to everyone to refrain from open burning due to extremely dry conditions.
“There are many large brush fires across the region. At this moment we have a crew working at a large fire in Dover Plains, [Dutchess County.]
“Everyone refraining from open burning will lessen the chance that we experience a large fire in Ancram. Thank you in advance for helping keep Ancram a little safer.”
Firefighters from several companies extinguish a stubborn brush fire in Copake October 23. Photo: Copake Fire Company #1
Efffective October 29, Town of New Lebanon Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling ordered a burn ban for the town under a local declaration of emergency.
The order says “current conditions within the Town, due to severe drought and excessive wind, create a public safety hazard that would be worsened by outdoor burning… such conditions pose an imminent threat to the health and welfare of Town of New Lebanon citizens and their property…”
The outdoor burning of leaves, grass, brush, or any other open fires, is prohibited throughout the town.
The order expires five days from October 29 unless subsequently extended, amended, or repealed.
The forecast for the coming week shows little in the way of relief with only a chance of showers Monday and Tuesday of next week, according to WTEN Storm Tracker seven-day weather prediction.
State of Emergency—Burn Ban declared for county
HUDSON—Columbia County Board of Supervisor’s Chairman Matt B. Murell issued a State of Emergency—Burn Ban for the Columbia County beginning at 5 p.m. October 30, 2024 and continuing in effect for a period of time not to exceed 30 days.
The declaration says that the “State of Emergency has been declared due to emergency conditions produced by: severe drought conditions. Such conditions threaten or imperil the public safety of the citizens of Columbia County.
As Chief Executive of Columbia County, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of Columbia County.
“I hereby direct all departments and agencies of Columbia County to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.”
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com.
