Firefighters from two counties will continue efforts in Friday morning
Michael T. Baldwin Reports
At approximately 10:20 a.m. this morning Jasper Fire department was dispatched to a possible brush fire on Norton Hollow Road. Upon their arrival Jasper fire department found the fire spreading rapidly in the Turkey Ridge State Forest Land.
Ten fire departments from Steuben and Allegany Counties along with Forest Rangers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and staff from the Office of Emergency Services worked throughout the day to contain the fire.
At approximately 5:00 p.m. fire crews withdrew from the woods because of safety concerns due to darkness, fire behavior and dead trees falling around work crews. The fire will continue to burn overnight, but should not be a threat to any residential structures. With expected rain in the forecast Officials anticipate the fire to be contained tomorrow. State Forest Rangers and firefighters will return tomorrow to continue with suppression efforts.
Those living or traveling in this area should be aware that the fire will burn overnight but should not be a threat during the overnight hours. The fire and smoke will still be visible during the overnight hours and smoke from the fire may settle in the valley.
Fire Officials are aware and will continue operations on Friday.
A Sun reader sent this recently:
“This picture was taken from 417 not even a half hour ago. Does it look contained to you? The Dec ordered all the fire companies to leave. Said its not a threat. If the wind shifts just a mite it will be into houses, cabins and farms. I guess the troopers are going to patrol it with 4 drones. If it makes it to the other side it’s all farms, houses and camps.”
Photos provided by Kerri Taylor
