Large Kent Brushfire Sends Smell of Smoke to Mahopac and Beyond

Kent, N.Y.—Mahopac firefighters are helping their peers in Kent contain a brushfire that has sent smoke into Mahopac and beyond.

In a Facebook post, MVFD said they “along with several other fire departments in the area are all receiving multiple calls from residents reporting the odor of outside smoke.”

The “large and active” Kent bush fire has been burning for “the last few days” in the Sedgewick area near Route 301 and Dixon Road.

A Sunday afternoon Kent FD Facebook post said there were “no known dangers” to people or property at this time.

“The winds are carrying the smoke in the direction of Carmel, Mahopac, and Mahopac Falls,” MVFD's Facebook post said. “Multiple fire departments have spent this morning responding to outside smoke investigation calls. All calls have been unfounded for any type of active fire.”

Kent Fire Department is working on location with the NYS Forestry Service and Administration from Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, MVFD said. 

Local first responders and Carmel PD are asking residents to avoid calling 911 for the smoke from the Kent fire. 

“Please do not call 911 unless you see an active fire or have a emergency situation,” MVFD said “You can call your local police on their non-emergency number if you have any further questions.”

According to Kent VFD, the department was dispatched to Route 301 and East Boyds Road just after midnight on Oct. 26 for a report of a fire on the mountain. 

Crews located a large brushfire of approximately five to six acres at the old Sedgewood Club Hotel/Clubhouse at 879 Golf Ridge Road.

“Crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire and stop the spread,” Kent VFD said. "But despite their efforts, the wind speed, dry conditions, and terrain caused the fire to spread to approximately seven acres. NYS DEC Forest Rangers and NYC DEP Police Aviation [are assisting] at the scene with resources including water drops by helicopter. “Personnel continued to work throughout the day and into the night on a fire line to prevent further spread. At this time there is no immediate risk to the local community.” Kent FD said. “The scene is still active.”

This is a developing story.