Firefighters are hoping for calmer weather this weekend in order to finish their work on the Round Hill fire in Blooming Grove, which has been burning since Thursday.
Round Hill Elementary School on Route 208 has been a busy place the past few days as the command center for the brush fire.
It’s a cooler and damper day Saturday, which hopefully could help finish off the remaining pockets of fire. Officials told News 12 at 7 a.m. Saturday that the fire was fully contained, but crews would stay at the scene to work on remaining hotspots. Some smoke was still noticeable coming from the fire site this morning.
The fire began around 12:30 pm. Thursday, and had spread to about 80 acres of brush by Friday night. But overnight, officials said it was largely contained.
The New York Forestry Service is among those helping at the scene, and helped hold things down overnight Saturday. They’ve been utilizing helicopters to drop about 10,000 gallons of water from above.
Officials say the fire has come within 100 yards of some homes, but hasn’t reached them. No evacuations have been ordered, but some families voluntarily left.
Only one minor injury has been noted among fire crews, and all those involved in any fashion — whether that be residents, firefighters or even some goats — are accounted for.
Officials say auxiliary units from South Blooming Grove and Mountain Lodge fire companies played a large role in the recovery effort. Members have been coordinating food and supply deliveries for first responders with local business including Stop & Shop, Dunkin Donuts, Brother Bruno's Pizza in Washingtonville, ShopRite in Monroe and Refresh Market in Kiryas Joel.
"It's really a wonderful community of people who helped us organize all of this to be able to provide to the firemen, rangers, police departments, and the ambulance corps,” said president of the South Blooming Grove Ladies Auxiliary.
She says businesses are ready to make more donations if needed. Although the flames are contained, she also says her auxiliary unit plans to continue providing support until the fire is completely out.