DEC: Campfire ignites inferno in Adirondacks
DEC says fire not properly extinguished, leading to multi-day blaze in forest preserve
The fire, which wasn’t properly properly exting uished, was located in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness./
A campfire that was not properly exting uished turned into a multi-day inferno in Hamilton County, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Friday.
The fire was located in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, one of the larger forest preser ve tracts in the Adirondacks. DEC did not say exactly where it was located, but a spokesperson did say the fire started on Sept. 21 and was about a half acre in size. The wilderness area is a popular spot for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting.
“The fire is controlled and contained at this time,” a DEC spokesperson added in an email. “Equipment was pulled off the scene yesterday via State Police helicopter. DEC Forest Rangers will remain in patrol status and the fire will be checked again over the weekend.”
This fire adds to a growing number across the region. Warren County officials said Thursday that local firefighters exting uished a forest fire in Thurman and a brush fire in Hadley in recent days. A lack of rain is making the Adirondack
Park region high-risk for wildfires.
A DEC spokesperson did not say whether an individual was ticketed or fined for the campfire in Hamilton County. The DEC is reminding New Yorkers about fire safety in the backcountry to reduce the risk of wildfires. Some of those safety precautions the DEC highlighted include:
■ Use existing campfire rings where possible;
■ Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
Clear the area near the fire ring of leaves, twigs and other f lammable materials;
Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly;
■ Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.