DEC: State Ban on Residential Brush Burning Begins March 16 during High Fire-Risk Season All residential brush burning is prohibited in smaller communities during the state's historically high fire-risk period from March 16 through May 14, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens reminded New Yorkers today.

"This time of year has the most risk of fires and the risk is even greater this year due to the extremely mild winter we've seen across the state," Commissioner Martens said. "Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, there have been fewer fires reported in New York state. In an effort to protect the health and safety of our children, families and our natural environment, we remind residents that brush burning is banned statewide beginning this week."

In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the burn ban regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a populations of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring when the bulk of New York's wildfires typically occur. The state regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at all times and in all places.

Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.

Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York state. Data from DEC's Forest Protection Division shows that debris burning accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and 2009, which is more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from 2000 to 2009 New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300 wildfires each year from March 16 to May 14. That represents about 46 percent of all wildfires for the year.

Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous five years.

Some towns are designated "fire towns" primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park. Under the Environmental Conservation Law, open burning is prohibited in these municipalities without a written permit from DEC. Open burning is prohibited at any time in these municipalities. To find out whether a town is a designated "Fire Town" and/or to obtain a permit, parties should contact a DEC regional office. For a directory of the DEC Regional Offices, visit the DEC website.

Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.

A list of questions and answers on the open burning regulation is available on DEC's website.

Volunteer firefighting. What’s in it for you?

The benefits of being a volunteer firefighter are many.

There’s the technical training and real life skills you’ll receive.

The satisfaction of teaching kids and seniors about fire safety.

The fact that no two days are ever the same.

There’s the immense sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from giving back to your community by doing a vital job.

And maybe most important, the camaraderie, the feeling of family, the lasting relationships you’ll build belonging to a team that shares one overriding goal: to be of service to others in their time of greatest need.

Specific requirements may vary, but generally speaking, you must be:

• At least 16 years of age. 
• In good physical health. This, of course, is relative to the duties you’ll be called upon to perform.
• Of sound moral character and prepared to fill a position of responsibility and trust.

While not strictly requirements, experience shows us that successful volunteers are usually caring people who are concerned about their community and enjoy working as part of a team. You should also be the type of person who enjoys being challenged and learning new skills.

Service has its rewards.

Not only does being a volunteer firefighter give you the opportunity to serve your community in an exciting and fulfilling way, there are also a variety of incentives available from the government, as well as your local fire companies. These may include:

• Property tax offsets
• State Income Tax Benefits
• Free health checkups
• Free accident insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement (FASNY HELP)
• Length of Service Awards Program
• Equipment and training provided

For details on the benefits available in our community, stop in and speak with someone at our fire station.  There will be an Open House on Saturday April 27 so stop by and find out what it takes!

Email info@dewittfire.org for more information.

The DeWitt Fire District will join dozens of other local organizations as we light up our building blue. Light It Up Blue, annually observed on April 2 is dedicated to raising awareness of autism. Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism ...science and advocacy organization, began the Light It Up Blue campaign in 2010. This initiative is intended to raise international awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month in the United States.
Autism Speaks celebrates Light It Up Blue along with the international autism community, in commemoration of the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. Light It Up Blue is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism. In honor of this historic day, many iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges and retail stores are among the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities that take part to Light It Up Blue.

It's easy and fun to Light It Up Blue! Register your Light It Up Blue events today. Whether you're joining as an individual, or the manager of a building, store, school, cultural institution, restaurant, or media entity, you can pledge to Light It Up Blue and share your events.

Truck 3 operated at second alarm commercial fire last evening.  A Signal 99 was transmitted for the the Burker King in Tully at 2015. Tully Car-1 made a special call for Truck-3 at 2019 and DeWitt units returned to service at 2311. Rural water supply operations were in place to support the master stream operation and cold weather conditions provided some challenges.

Today we mourn the loss of Past Chief Jerome “Skip” Farnsworth. Skip joined the DeWitt Fire Department in November 1951. He served as Deputy Chief from 1964-1968 and Chief of Department from 1968-1974. He was a driving force behind the ac...quisition, restoration and upkeep of antique Engine-6. In honor of his service to the DeWitt Fire District and our community, the station flag will be flown at half-staff through December 28, 2012.
 

The DeWitt Fire units are out for Santa Sunday!  Fire engines are out in the neighborhoods with Santa Claus to wish everyone a happy holiday, be sure to look out for him...

With the onset of cold weather and winter fast approaching we would like to share some useful facts and tips courtesy of the USFA:

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of f

Wood Stoves: Wood stoves cause over 4,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or trash. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.

Electric Space Heaters: Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

Kerosene Heaters: Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool first and then refuel outside. Never overfill any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room.

Fireplaces: Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. Never empty the ash directly into a trash can. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.ire in winter.

The UL Halloween Safety Guide and ‘Trick or Treat’ Family Safety Quiz Share:
It’s the scariest night of the year! But with a little attention to safety, you can keep it fun and not frightful. Here are a few tips for you to follow and a quiz to review safety with your kids. Boo!



Don’t Frankenstein Your Lights
When purchasing electrical decorations, make sure to shop at a reputable retailer and look for the UL Mark. Be sure to check the rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the recommended wattage. Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations such as fog machines and electrically-powered inflatable decorations.



Inspect Decorations with Fiendish Care
Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard. Replace damaged light strings with energy-efficient LED lights. Look for a red UL Mark to indicate that lights are certified for both indoor and outdoor use. A green UL mark indicates certification for indoor use only.



Beware of Candles!
Candles, especially in a Jack O’Lantern, should be off the ground and out of children’s reach. Try battery-operated LED candles for an even safer option.



Don’t Trip Up Your Goblins
Halloween costumes should allow full movement for your kids. Costumes that drag, constrict or drape pose a dangerous hazard, especially at night. Check to ensure that costumes don’t restrict your children’s vision, and instruct them to watch out for tripping hazards, such as cords.



Say Boo! to Unsafe Costumes
Be sure to purchase or make costumes out of flame-resistant materials such as nylon or polyester as these specially marked fabrics will resist burning and extinguish quickly. Make sure your child knows to stop, drop and roll in case their costume catches fire.



Be Safe and Bright
Choose costumes that are lighter in color and attach reflective materials to costumes. Make sure each child has a flashlight to help them see and be seen.



Keep Hungry Monsters from Feeding
Never let your kids eat Halloween candy before you inspect it in the light at home. Even if you know your neighbors, you should always check to be safe and throw away open candy or anything that looks at all suspicious.

October 7-13, 2012 is National Fire Prevention Week.  This years theme is "Have 2 Ways Out" which stresses the need for families to practice Exit Drills In The Home and pland their escape in the even of a fire. The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes.

It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan. This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

The DeWitt Fire Station will be open from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday October 13, please stop by and see us!

DeWitt Fire welcomed our brothers and sisters from DeWitt Police, East Syracuse Fire, Manlius & Fayetteville Fire Departments for our annual observnace and remembrance of the September 11 terrorist attacks. On that day 343 brother firefighters were killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center.

In early 2002 the DeWitt Fire District and Dewitt Fire Department retired badge number 343 in honor of those brothers of the FDNY.  As part of our continued remembrance as an organization, September 11 Memorial flags are being flown at the fire station, and each apparatus bears a commemorative emblem.
 
Each year we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 when our nation was attacked by terrorists.  The overwhelming patriotism and pride that followed this event has faded for many, while the pain and loss that others experienced continues daily.  It is important for us all, and especially as emergency services personnel to remember the sacrifice that was made by the responders that day and all of the victims of the senseless attack.

At 15:15 hours on 8/31/2012 Engine 8 and Rescue 7 responded to a house fire on Hulbert St. , in the Minoa Fire District. On arrival command ordered DeWiTT crews to the roof for ventilation. Shortly after the completion of ventilation command ordered a defensive operation. DeWItt crews assisted with suppression and master stream operations , clearing the scene at 19:00 hours.

Today Firefighter William 'Bill' Morris was deployed, for 2 weeks, with the American Red Cross for Tropical Storm Isaac. Bill, is being deployed to Baton Rouge, LA. We wish Bill a safe deployment and return.

Engine 8 and Car 1 responded to a reported explosion with wires down in the area of 10 Landsdowne Road. An active transformer fire with extension to the residences fence and trees was found on arrival. Engine Company 8 knocked down the secondary fires and protected exposures while National Grid secured the power to the transformer.

Governor Cuomo Urgers New Yorkers to Be Cautious with High Danger of Wildfires

Issued By: NYS - Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Issued On: 7/13/12 2:25 PM Affected Jurisdictions: New York

THIS IS A Routine Press Release

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged all New Yorkers to take extra caution, as dry weather conditions have led to a heightened danger of wildfires across Upstate and Western New York. In addition, the state today will institute a statewide residential burn ban for 90 days through October 10.


"These conditions should not be taken lightly," Governor Cuomo said. "The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring. The state will continue to closely monitor the wildfire danger and we will deploy whatever resources are necessary to protect New Yorkers should a critical situation occur."

As a result of the mild winter with relatively little snowfall, as well as areas of the state which have received only 25% of the normal spring and early summer rainfall, wildfire danger across New York is heightened.
Current weather forecasts predict above normal temperatures, elevating the risk for all of Upstate and Western New York. New York City and Long Island are at moderate risk levels.

Wildfires can start easily from many types of causes and can spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. The Governor urged New Yorkers to take extra caution and do the following:


Refrain from starting any type of outdoor fire and in cases where a fire must be started, take extreme caution.
Be watchful and keep a close eye when grilling outdoors.
For those who smoke, make sure a lit cigarette is completely extinguished.
When camping, use existing campfire rings when possible and keep fires small.
Scrape away litter, duff, and any burnable material within a 10 foot diameter circle. This will keep the campfire from spreading.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.
Use a cooking stove instead of a campfire to prepare meals.
At the Governor's direction, the following steps have been taken to properly prepare the state for the increased danger of fires.

The New York State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Albany is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide a heightened state of readiness. Representatives from the Office of Emergency Management (State OEM), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will staff the State EOC on a 24/7 basis as necessary.

DEC will issue an emergency regulation today implementing a statewide ban on residential brush burning through October 10. Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions. In addition, the Department of Environmental Conservation will suspend all burning permits previously issued. A moratorium on new permits is now in effect through October 10.

In April, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County as brush fires threatened almost 1,200 acres of land. Staff from State Police, DEC, OFPC and State OEM were deployed to assist local governments in Suffolk County and other regions of the state, and State Police helicopters were used to perform water-dropping missions.

For more information on preventing wildfires, visit http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/brush-fire.cfm ("
http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/brush-fire.cfm") .