As Burn Ban Continues, Mahopac Students Praised for Helping Stop Brush Fire Near School

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents that Putnam County's burn ban remains in effect after several recent brush fires. The department also recognized some of its youngest members for playing a role in controlling a brush fire near their school's property.

Mahopac CSD Honors Student Firefighters

At its Nov. 25 meeting, the Mahopac Board of Education acknowledged members of the MFVFD for their fast action to control a Nov. 8 brush fire on Myrtle Avenue near the school district's bus depot and administration building. The recognition was all the more meaningful because three of the volunteers who played a role in stopping the fire are students and one is a school district employee.

According to a post by MFVFD public information officer Ellen Sacher, the Nov. 8 fire posed a potential threat to the school buses.

“Thanks to the swift actions of our members, the fire was knocked down quickly, and no school property was damaged,” Sacher said. “We’re especially proud to highlight the efforts of several young members of our department who are also students in the district.”

Student/MFVFD volunteers Angelique Kavalieratos, Diego Espejo-Leta, and Madelynn Behrendt, along with school employee/MFVFD volunteer Hans Schweizer were recognized at the Nov. 25 Mahopac Central School District Board meeting “for their dedication and bravery in helping to protect their school community,” Sacher said.

“We thank the school board for honoring these individuals and continue to applaud all our volunteers for their service to the community.”

Smoke at Airport Park 

With November continuing to be relatively dry, the area's outdoor burn ban remains in effect due to an increased risk of brush fires.

The most recent report is from the afternoon of Nov. 27, when the MFVFD was dispatched to a brush fire at Airport Park on Hill Street and found steam rising from piles of leaves and mulch.

“We want to thank the vigilant individuals who reported the concern—your attentiveness is crucial, even on rainy days,” MVFD said in an online report. “If you see something, say something!”

MFVFD said it also responded to multiple reports of “open burn calls” later that evening.

“Please remember that Putnam County remains under a burn ban,” MFVFD said. "Open burning is prohibited and poses a significant risk to our community’s safety, especially as weather conditions can change rapidly.

“Your cooperation helps us protect our community!" the MFVFD continued.  "Thank you for staying alert and following the regulations.”