A blazing fire engulfed the woods near Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park on Wednesday, March 18.
According to the New York Fire Department, the three-alarm fire was called in at 1:35 p.m., with the second alarm occurring at 3:15 p.m., and the final alarm at 4:31 p.m.
Responding to the fire were 33 units, accounting for over 130 firefighters, with Engine 38 first on the scene.
Due to the windy conditions and distance of the location, the fire was not declared under control until 6:28 p.m., but no injuries were reported.
Assisting in the firefighters efforts, a helicopter with a ‘bambi bucket’ was brought on scene to douse the flames from above.
“For the most part, the fire was contained to a Phragmites patch on the northwest coast of Hunter Island,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
“There was minimal damage to the surrounding woodland, no damage to mature trees in the vicinity, and minimal impact to wildlife or park users.”
