By Holly Crocco
Several acres of land around the Sedgewood Club property burned Oct. 26 in a large brush fire, with smoke drifting south toward Westchester and alarming many residents.
According to the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at about midnight to Route 301 and East Boyds Road, between Dixon Road and Peekskill Hollow Road, for a report of a fire on the mountain.
After arriving at the scene and finding a large blaze encompassing about 5 or 6 acres, mutual aid was requested from many nearby departments. Together, firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, but the due to wind speed, dry conditions, and terrain, the fire spread to about 7 acres.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers and New York City Department of Environmental Protection police aviation unit assisted at the scene with water drops by helicopter.
Additionally, personnel continued to work throughout the day and into the night on a fire line to prevent further spread.
At the time of the fire, KVFD assured residents there was no threat to the community. Many residents received a reverse 911 call or text that morning, telling them not to contact 911 regarding the fire unless they saw flames close to a structure.
Other responding agencies included the Lake Carmel, Carmel, Mahopac, Mahopac Falls, Putnam Valley and East Fishkill fire departments; the Kent and Carmel police departments; Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services.
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