By Michael Contaxis
1st Asst. Chief WFD
The Warwick Fire Department (WFD) has responded to 90 calls for service to date. During the week, the WFD officers and firefighters completed vehicle apparatus truck checks and fleet maintenance, and held their monthly scheduled Firefighters Assist Search Team (F.A.S.T.) Drill at Warwick Station #4. On Fri., Mar. 16, the WFD responded with mutual aid to the Florida Fire District for a structure fire.
Annual Spring Burn Ban
As we get ready to celebrate Air Quality Awareness week, let us also be aware that NY’s open burning ban is now in effect through May 14. This statewide ban temporarily outlaws burning residential brush and yard debris to safeguard communities and natural resources from wildfires, reduce air pollution, and protect human health. Open burning brush burning of yard debris is one of the leading causes of spring wildfires in NYS.
Warm spring temperatures and lack of snow cover dry out the previous fall’s debris and leaves, increasing the risk of fires spreading out of control. Last year, 192 wildfires were reported that burned more than 1,122 acres. Since the start of the annual burn ban in 2009, spring wildfires have decreased by more than 40 percent. Smoke from wildfires is also more dangerous than emissions from other sources due to the heavy concentration of fine particles, which can aggravate respiratory illnesses and trigger asthma attacks.
The annual burn ban does not prohibit small campfires fueled by charcoal or untreated wood. Before you start your campfire, check the Fire Danger Map, posted on DEC’s website and on the free New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App, to know the fire risk in your area. Campfires should never be left unattended and must be extinguished when done. Also, remember that burning trash and leaves is not allowed in NYS at any time of the year. Let’s keep our neighborhoods and yards wildfire-free by building safe campfires and burning our yard debris responsibly after the burn ban ends.
Knox Box
The WFD has used the Knox Box program in the Warwick Fire District for many years at local schools and commercial properties around Warwick. Knox Box has been trusted by Fire agencies for over 40 years, with Knox Rapid Access Solutions that have provided first responders with immediate access into secured buildings, campuses, residences and commercial properties when time matters most. By helping the WFD gain entry during an emergency minimizes property damage. The power of a Knox Box will help save valuable time and money during a fire. To learn about this and more information about purchasing a Knox box for your home or business call the Warwick Fire District Office at 986-3473 or send an email to wfd634c@yahoo.com.
Warwick Fire Prevention
Fire safety begins with all of us. Many home fires are preventable. Fire Prevention information can be found at NFPA.ORG, community.nfpa.org or the children’s interactive site at sparkyschoolhouse.org. For more fire prevention tips, visit fpw.org or esfi.org.
Join the Fire Department
Those interested in joining the Warwick Fire Department, age 16 and older, call 986-3473; contact WFD via social media on Facebook or Instagram; email wfd634c@yahoo.com; or stop by any firehouses any evening to speak with a Fire Officer about joining. The best evenings are Mondays at 7 p.m. or the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
A State-wide burn ban is in effect until May.
