Brush fire danger high, say fire officials

Due in part to the lack of rain, the Spencerport Fire Department, as well as other local fire departments, has seen an increase in the number and severity of brush fires. In the last couple of weeks, Spencerport, Hilton, Bergen, Brockport and Hamlin have all had brush fires, some of them involving several acres of land. Fire departments have to tie up personnel and resources, as well as utilize mutual aide from neighboring departments in order to bring these fires under control.

The current dry conditions can turn a discarded cigarette into a large brush fire very quickly. Add to this the autumn leaves on the ground and the typical breezy fall days and a brush fire can spread quickly and threaten lives and property.

Currently there aren't any bans on outdoor fires in this area, however, anyone doing any camping outside this area should be sure and check with local authorities for restrictions in that area. The dry conditions across the state have prompted some areas of the state to ban or restrict outdoor fires.

The Spencerport Fire Department is urging extreme caution if any outdoor campfires or cooking fires are going to be used. The following are a few simple reminders to help ensure safety:

• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep a garden hose close by (and turned on).
• Adult supervision is a must
• Keep area around the fire clear of combustibles
  (this includes overhead branches, leaves, twigs and tents).
• Be ready to extinguish the fire if it gets windy, or out of control.
• Before turning in for the night, wet the fire area down again.
• Place cigarette butts in water to assure they won't start a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

If there is doubt as to the prudence of an outdoor fire, be on the safe side and wait for a better time. If a fire does get out of control call 911, don't wait and try to extinguish the fire yourself. When calling 911 give the location, size of fire, and if it is threatening any property. Also, try and have someone meet and direct the fire department into the scene.

Questions regarding fire safety can be directed to local fire marshals or the local fire department; the Spencerport Fire Department can be contacted at 352-6115.

prepared by the Spencerport Fire Department