Local fire departments respond to pair of grass fires

LEWIS & ONEIDA COUNTIES- Two grass fires have occurred since the weekend and emergency officials here in the North Country are urging residents to be extra vigilant amidst a streak of dry conditions.

New York’s annual Spring Burn Ban remains in effect through May 14 and was enacted in 2009 with aims of reducing the yearly spring spread of wildfires.

On Tuesday afternoon shortly before 2:00 p.m., Woodgate Fire Department was the primary responder to a grass fire on the Bear Creek Road, town of Forestport.

Dispatch officials said about a half-acre of land was scorched. A shed was also involved.

In addition to New York State Forest Rangers, members from Forestport, Otter Lake and Stittville Fire Departments all assisted.

Meanwhile over the weekend, the Port Leyden Fire Department responded to a call involving a grass fire on Pearl Street, town of Leyden.

Officials said a total of nine fire departments were on the scene - suppressing the grass fire.

No injuries were reported.

Image via the Port Leyden Fire Department.