More Than 50 Firefighters Tackle Large Brush Fire Ignites in New Hempstead

More Than 50 Firefighters Tackle Large Brush Fire Ignites in New Hempstead

A large brush fire erupted in New Hempstead late Tuesday afternoon, prompting a massive emergency response as more than 50 firefighters from multiple departments battled to contain the fast-moving flames.

The blaze broke out around 3:30 p.m. near the wooded area off Union Road, close to residential neighborhoods. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as strong winds pushed the fire rapidly across dry brush and wooded terrain.

Within minutes, local authorities issued warnings urging nearby residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to heavy smoke. While no evacuation orders were formally issued, officials say preparations were made in case the fire spread closer to homes.

Fire crews from New Hempstead, Spring Valley, Hillcrest, and West Nyack responded to the scene, supported by volunteer units from across Rockland County. More than a dozen fire engines and tanker trucks lined the roads as firefighters worked in unison to create containment lines and prevent the fire from reaching residential zones.

“It was a very aggressive fire due to dry conditions and gusty winds,” said Fire Chief Michael Caruso of the New Hempstead Fire Department. “Our teams coordinated well and acted quickly to contain the fire before it could do serious damage.”

Helicopter support was also deployed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assist in aerial observation and water drops, although their operations were limited by visibility as smoke thickened in the late afternoon.

According to initial reports, the fire scorched approximately 20 acres of land, though a full damage assessment is still underway. No homes or structures were reported damaged, and no injuries have been confirmed as of this morning.

Local residents gathered at safe distances, some snapping photos and recording videos, while others expressed concern over the increasing frequency of brush fires in the region.

“We’ve never seen anything like this in our neighborhood,” said longtime resident Paula Mendoza. “It makes you realize how quickly things can change when the weather gets dry.”

Meteorologists confirmed that a lack of recent rainfall coupled with low humidity created ideal conditions for the fire to spread. As a result, Rockland County officials issued a fire weather warning earlier this week, advising residents to refrain from outdoor burning and to report any signs of smoke immediately.

As of Wednesday morning, firefighters remained on site to monitor for hotspots and flare-ups. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, though early speculation suggests it may have started from an improperly extinguished outdoor fire or discarded cigarette.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or signs of smoke as dry conditions persist.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Chief Caruso. “We were lucky this time, but with the right conditions, things can escalate fast.”

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