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Tinderbox: Latimer offers tips on how to prevent forest fires amid dry conditions

County Executive George Latimer is reinforcing what News 12 meteorologists have been saying recently – the Hudson Valley is at a heightened risk right now for woodland fires.

News 12 Staff

Apr 11, 2023, 10:08 PM

Updated 619 days ago

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Westchester County is urging residents to do their part to prevent wildfires.
County Executive George Latimer is reinforcing what News 12 meteorologists have been saying recently – the Hudson Valley is at a heightened risk right now for woodland fires.
According to Latimer, the dry conditions have increased the risk in county parks and wooded areas. There have been several large brush fires in recent days, including at Saxon Woods Park in the Scarsdale-White Plains area and in Cortlandt, Greenburgh, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Pleasant, New Rochelle, North Castle, North Salem, Ossining and Pelham Manor.
Tips from the county executive:
-The annual outdoor burn ban is in effect through May 14.
-When camp fires are permitted, limit their size and make sure they're fully extinguished before leaving.
-Safely dispose of any charcoal or ashes
-Put out cigarettes well
-If you see smoke in any park or wooded area, call 911 right away.