Due to a lack of rainfall recently, County Executive George Latimer is urging residents to follow safety precautions to reduce the risk of fires breaking out in Westchester.

“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has declared a High Fire Danger Warning for Westchester County and most of the state,” Latimer said. “This is the second highest fire danger level and it means that Westchester is at very high risk for fire.”

Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services said Westchester has seen an increase in brush fires in the past week. He noted that fires in wooded areas have occurred on extremely hot days and on difficult terrain.

“Fires in wooded areas pose many challenges for the fire service. Access to the fire can be difficult, the terrain can be uneven or hilly, and sources of water are limited. We are grateful to our firefighters in Westchester for the work they are doing to keep these fires from spreading so we can be all stay safe.”

With no significant rain in the immediate forecast, Latimer urged residents to follow some practical tips provided by the staff at DES. The tips cover how to safely use a grill or fire pit at home or a camp fire in wooded areas where they are permitted. 

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