Special Permit Needed to Set Fires in Dutchess County Town

Red Flag Warnings Across The Hudson Valley

It has been an extremely dry October across the mid-Hudson region.

On October 26th, 2024 Hudson Valley Weather reported Red Flag Warnings for the following towns in and around the region: Amsterdam, Schenectady, Albany, Troy, Berlin, Berne, Cairo, Catskill, Chatham, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Dover Plains, Ellenville, and Monticello

A Red Flag Warning according to the National Weather Service is  when conditions "are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns and that may lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth."

Due to the lack of rain and windy conditions that Red Flag Warning turned into several serious brush fires in the region.

Brush Fires Spread in Several Hudson Valley Towns

In the early hours of October 25th, 2024 the Plattekill Fire Department reported a "substantial woodland fire on Marlboro Mountain's Hemlock Ridge." At the time smoke and ash were observed along the surrounding areas.

The brush fire at Hemlock Ridge lasted for several days and thanks to the multiple agencies was contained by day 5.

Brush fires were also reported in the Dutchess County area near Wingdale.

Burn Warnings and Special Permit Needed

Burn Bans are still in effect in some areas. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said in a statement that the beautiful weather we've been having "comes with consequences."

Neuhaus went on to add "we must do what we can to mitigate these dangers while conditions remain ripe for fire spread" while issuing a Burn Ban on October 28th, 2024.

While Burn Bans are in effect, the Town of Poughkeepsie is going a step further. In a statement posted on social media the Town of Poughkeepsie writes:

"Please note that open fires are not allowed in The Town of Poughkeepsie at any time without special permit from the town board or state DEC (Town Code 110.16.1). Right now even contained blazes like fire pits are discouraged."

The post goes on to explain "some recent fires have been caused by stray cigarettes thrown out of vehicle windows."