From Friday, November 4th through Monday, November 7th, New York State Forest Rangers responded to at least nine wildland fires in nine different counties caused by campfires, debris burning, and power lines. [Read more…] about Wildfires Fought In Nine New York Counties Last Weekend
Fires
Adirondack Search Turns to House Fire and Rescue
On October 31st at 9:40 pm, New York State Police (NYSP) requested Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Ranger assistance in locating a subject originally reported as an overdue hunter.
The family of the 25-year-old from Hudson in Columbia County, NY, had reported the individual missing and indicated he might be despondent and suicidal. [Read more…] about Adirondack Search Turns to House Fire and Rescue
Big Fires At Bloodville: An Industrial History
The fires that destroyed both the axe and scythe factories in Bloodville in Saratoga County did not completely end the industrial era of the hamlet, as is widely believed.
There were actually a few valiant efforts to reestablish manufacturing in the years that followed. [Read more…] about Big Fires At Bloodville: An Industrial History
The Great Boston Fire of 1872
For two days in November, 1872, a massive fire swept through Boston, leaving the downtown in ruins and the population traumatized. Coming barely a year after the infamous Chicago Fire, Boston’s inferno turned out to be one of the most expensive fires per acre in US history.
Yet today few are aware of how close Boston came to total destruction. [Read more…] about The Great Boston Fire of 1872
NYS Forest Rangers Battle Numerous Wildfires Exacerbated By Dry Conditions
New York State Forest Rangers joined local firefighters from multiple fire companies to fight numerous wildfires in New York State on Sunday as careless campfires and debris burning combined with dry conditions. About 40 acres were burned in three locations in Washington, Fulton and Herkimer Counties. [Read more…] about NYS Forest Rangers Battle Numerous Wildfires Exacerbated By Dry Conditions
The Button Fire Engine Company of Waterford: Some History
For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, New York State was a leader in fire engine and apparatus manufacturing. One of the main players in that industry was Lysander Button of Waterford, NY.
Starting around 1831, Button worked his way up the ladder from mechanic turned inventor to owner of the firm that would eventually take his name, the Button Fire Engine Company. [Read more…] about The Button Fire Engine Company of Waterford: Some History
The Ecology of Adirondack Wildfires
There are several natural disasters that can alter the ecological make-up of an area. Widespread tree disease, severe winds, and intense ice storms can all seriously damage or destroy the dominant members of a forest community.
However, the most catastrophic force of nature is fire, as a major blaze can significantly impact more than just the composition of trees that cover a given location. [Read more…] about The Ecology of Adirondack Wildfires
Fire Destroys Lean-To; Pharaoh Lake Wildfire Ongoing; Injured, Lost Hikers Rescued
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Fire Destroys Lean-To; Pharaoh Lake Wildfire Ongoing; Injured, Lost Hikers Rescued
Temperance & Fire At The Delavan House: Albany’s Finest 19th Century Hotel
Edward Delavan was born in Westchester County, NY, in 1793. His father died when Edward was eight and he and his mother, brother, and two sisters moved to Albany. Edward began work in a printer’s office at 13 years of age and after several years, left to work at his brother’s hardware store. While at the hardware store, he began selling wine, which proved very successful. [Read more…] about Temperance & Fire At The Delavan House: Albany’s Finest 19th Century Hotel
The 1962 Catskills High View House Fire
Early in the morning on Friday, July 13th, 1962 fire was discovered in one of the buildings at Hankin’s High View House, just outside Liberty, Sullivan County, NY in the Catskills. Firefighters were on the scene within minutes and were able to contain the blaze, while hotel staff and ambulance personnel attended to the injured, but before it was over five people would be dead and one of the heroes of the tragedy would be in jail, charged with multiple counts of first degree murder.
In the aftermath, local officials would try in vain to tighten the fire laws governing small hotels. [Read more…] about The 1962 Catskills High View House Fire