Brush Fire Highlights Increased Fire Risk
MIDDLEFIELD—Following a brush fire that occurred Monday evening, October 26 on Cornish Hill Road in the Town of Middlefield, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services is reminding residents to exercise extreme caution when conducting outdoor burning, particularly as dry conditions continue throughout the region.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, October 27 by OCES Coordinator Victor F.C. Jones, although there is currently no statewide seasonal burn ban in effect, the combination of dry vegetation, low relative humidity, and wind can create favorable conditions that allow outdoor fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to contain and extinguish.
The Office of Emergency Services encourages residents to take the following precautions when conducting any legally permitted outdoor burning:
- Never leave an outdoor fire unattended.
- Avoid burning during windy conditions or when relative humidity is low.
- Keep water and appropriate fire suppression equipment readily available.
- Maintain a safe distance from any structures, wooded areas, and other combustible materials.
- Ensure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Residents are reminded that the absence of a burn ban does not necessarily mean that conditions are safe for burning.
“The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services appreciates the efforts of our volunteer firefighters who work to protect our communities and encourages everyone to do their part in preventing avoidable fires,” Jones said in the press release.
Middlefield Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from the Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, and Milford fire departments, as well as from the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Forest Rangers. A total of 5.7 acres was contained by the aforementioned agencies. No injuries were reported, Jones said.
