WOODGATE FD: Brushfire likely started by local resident burning brush during statewide burn-ban

ONEIDA COUNTY- Fire-fighters in Northern Oneida County recently spent a significant amount of time battling a brush fire that nearly went completely out of control.

It was around 4:00 p.m. last Friday when emergency responders were dispatched to a brushfire that was quickly going awry on Daywood Road, town of Forestport.

Woodgate Fire Department was the primary department on-scene. Chief Anthony Sege says the flames were encroaching upon two residential structures.

Firefighters immediately went to work and ultimately managed to douse the flames using ‘copious’ amounts of water, while also spending another hour-and-a-half making sure flames didn’t spread underneath any dry foliage.

At press time, Chief Sege said the fire was likely started by a local resident burning yard debris. According to the DEC, it is illegal to burn leaves anywhere in New York State, but brush up to a certain size can be burned.

With that said, authorities enacted a statewide burn-ban a few weeks ago amidst dangerously dry conditions.

The ban extends through October 15 and will be re-assessed.

Generic flames image.