Westchester County joins other area counties in implementing an open fire ban as a result of brush fires

Concerns are growing in the Hudson Valley, as firefighters fight more brush fires.

"Fire can be dangerous and children play here [Ve Macy Park} a lot so I'm pretty concern about the fires,” says Nadia Grant, an Ardsley resident.

"As long as they're around, it's a concern obviously for people's safety,” says Shayne Robinson, a White Plains resident.

These concerns come as the Hudson Valley is still experiencing a significant shortage of rainfall.

"I would really like to hold off on any kind of fires,” says Grant.

Multiple fire departments responded to a brush fire on Tuesday at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson.

Fires like these have sounded the alarm for multiple counties, including Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties.

Westchester County now has issued an open fire ban for its parks.

"Everything is extremely dry. So, we're very concerned,” says Pete Tartaglia, first deputy commissioner for Westchester County Parks.

This goes into effect immediately for all Westchester County parks. Officials say the wooded environment in the parks, including camping sites and remote areas have an increased risk of fire. While this ban is in effect, charcoal and propane fires will only be allowed for cooking in permanently fixed grills in the parks. Officials say burning tree limbs or organic debris is not allowed while this ban is in effect.

"It could be something as simple as a match or a campfire with wind, warm weather and the leaves, it could become a major brush fire in a matter of minutes,” says Tartaglia.

Westchester County residents are doing their part to prevent brush fires. They're also encouraging others to not light fires at home as well.

"Be very careful, no fire, no camping, even your own home, your backyards hold off right now,” says Grant.