KENT, N.Y.—Putnam County declared a temporary countywide burn ban on Monday after a large brush fire in Kent sent the smell of smoke to Mahopac and beyond over the weekend.
County Executive Kevin Byrne signed an executive order temporarily banning most outdoor burning while the region continues to experience a prolonged lack of rainfall.
The decision came after firefighters were able to contain the Kent fire that erupted in the early hours of Oct. 26 in the woods near Route 301 and Boyds Road and burned for days. Mahopac firefighters were among the departments helping in Kent.
Byrne told Mahopac News the fire was under control but wouldn’t be completely extinguished until the area gets some rain.
“It’s contained,” Byrne said on Monday evening. “The issue was that the fire expanded beneath the soil more than half a foot to the point where roots were on fire. So we likely need more rain for it to be completely extinguished safely.”
Byrne praised the local fire departments as well as the Putnam County DPW and Kent Highway Department, who assisted the local departments with equipment to establish a fire line around the area.
“Over 10 local volunteer agencies responded, in addition to NYC DEP and NYS DEC,” Byrne said. “State Police, DEP, and Westchester Aviation also assisted with air support providing water drops throughout the weekend and this (Monday) afternoon. All the Carmel volunteer agencies—Mahopac FD, Mahopac Falls FD, Carmel FD, and Carmel VAC—responded to provide assistance.”
Byrne said dry conditions present a challenge to firefighters.
“The fire had expanded over this past weekend from five acres to ultimately about 33 acres on Sunday,” Byrne said. “Our first responders from all the departments did a remarkable job.”
Byrne said he planned to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon (after this edition goes to press) to explain the reasoning behind the burn ban and outline how residents can comply. \
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