CARMEL, NY – In response to the ongoing threat of wildfires due to severely dry conditions, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has implemented a temporary burn ban. The ban was announced earlier today at a press conference held at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, following the recent Kent Brush Fire that burned 33 acres over six days.

"Even though we had some light drizzle last night, our region remains under a high fire danger rating from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)," said County Executive Byrne. "The conditions we’re facing are extremely dry, and we’ve already seen the consequences with numerous brush fires, including the Kent Brush Fire right here at home. This burn ban is an essential, proactive step to prevent further fires from starting and to protect our community."

The Kent Brush Fire, which began on October 22, required a large response from over 10 different fire agencies and was successfully contained and controlled thanks to the tireless efforts of local firefighters and first responders. (For a full list of all responding agencies, see the Kent Brush Fire timeline below)

“I want to extend our gratitude to the Kent Fire Department, Lake Carmel Fire Department, Kent Police Department, our dispatchers, and all of our neighboring towns local fire departments that came in and helped get this under control and keep our residents safe,” said Kent Town Supervisor Jamie McGlasson.

"We are grateful for the bravery and teamwork shown by our local fire departments, law enforcement, and state agencies like the NYSDEC, New York State Police, and the DEP. The work they did to stop this fire from spreading further was outstanding," said Bureau of Emergency Servies Commissioner Bob Lipton. "However, the threat of fire is not behind us. Conditions are still primed for fires to spread rapidly."

On Monday, October 28^th, Byrne issued Executive Order #1, which mandates a temporary burn ban across Putnam County. This ban prohibits all forms of open burning—including campfires, brush burning, and debris fires. It does NOT include contained gas or coal cooking fires. Byrne emphasized that the ban is necessary given the ongoing risk of wildfires and urged residents to comply for their own safety.

"We understand that with the holiday weekend and cooler weather finally here that individuals may want to gather outdoors and enjoy a bonfire. But the conditions are still extremely dangerous," Byrne said. "We need everyone’s cooperation to avoid unnecessary risks. Until we get consistent rainfall that soaks the ground and improves conditions, this burn ban will remain in place."

Sheriff McConville emphasized that his office will be working to ensure compliance with the ban, noting that violations could result in penalties. "This is a serious matter, and we are prepared to enforce the ban if needed to protect public safety. Please, be smart, don’t burn," McConville said.

The Executive Order will initially last for five days, with the possibility of renewal depending on weather conditions. Byrne assured residents that this is a temporary measure, and the County will lift the ban as soon as it is safe to do so.

For updates and more information about the burn ban, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s official website and follow Putnam County’s social media channels.

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Kent Brush Fire Timeline

On Tuesday October 22, 2024, a report of a Brush Fire in Kent 899 Golf Ridge Rd. Multiple fire departments operating.  Property is owned /maintained by DEP.

10/22/2024 1820 hrs 

• Kent FD. Carmel FD.
• Battalion 15, DEC Helicopter overhead assisting with the direction of spread. 

Fire impact 0.2 acres

10/23/2024 1710hrs

• Kent Fire Department reporting.

Fire impact One (1) acre.

10/24/2024 1122hrs

• Kent FD, Carmel FD, Lake Carmel FD. Mahopac Falls FD, 3571, Med Supervisor, Westchester Aviation.
• Battalion 15.

Fire impact Five (5) acres.

10/26/2024 00:09hrs CALLER SAW A BRUSH FIRE.

• Kent FD, Carmel FD, Lake Carmel FD, Mahopac Falls FD, Mahopac FD, Putnam Valley FD, Carmel EMS, Medic 3, and East Fishkill FD.
• Battalion 15.

 Fire impact Ten (10) acres.

• 06:52hrs Scene turned over to Forest Ranger – all units returned to service.
• 09:44hrs Kent returns to scene with Forest Ranger and DEP helicopter.
• 11:00hrs Putnam County Bureau Commissioner (Car1) on location, discussion to formulate a plan of action for Sunday morning.
• Decision made NOT to fight fire overnight, instead early Sunday morning.

10/27/2024 0528hrs

• Kent PD, Kent FD, Brewster FD, Carmel FD, Lake Carmel FD, North Highlands FD, Patterson FD, Putnam Valley FD, Putnam Valley EMS, Carmel EMS, Patterson FD EMS (Not the town EMS), Westchester County Aviation/Helicopter, NYS Forest Ranges /NYSP Aviation/ Helicopter, Bureau Car 1(Lipton), Bureau Car 2 (Falloon), Bureau Emergency Manager 1 (Shields), Bureau EMS 1 (Cuomo), 911 Center Supervisor 409 (Jacobsen), Dispatcher 414 w/ Communications, Battalion 12,15,19, Tech Rescue Team, Putnam County Fire Police, Kent DPW, Putnam County DPW.

10/27/2024 con’t

• DPW heavy equipment has secured solid fire line.
• Numerous water drops have cooled the area.
• Kent tanker has cooled southern ridge.

Fire impact twenty-three (23) acres.

       End of shift fire expanded to 33 acres.

10/28/24 0700 hrs

• Incident Briefing with NYS DEP representatives, Kent Fire Department, Kent PD,
• Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services personnel at Kent Fire House. Incident Commanders are Kent Fire Chief Valente, DEC Ranger Cowart.  DEP have personnel in the wood actively digging to establish a break in the fire line.

NYS Forest Rangers reported Fire has impact thirty-three (33) acres to include ground fire.  Fire has NOT spread since end of shift 10/28

As of 2pm fire is 100% contained and 98% controlled.