Fire departments prepare for brush fires

Fire departments across Long Island are preparing for brush fire season. Long Island is currently experiencing a moderate drought, and the dry conditions can put the area at an increased risk for brush

News 12 Staff

•

May 22, 2015, 1:29 AM

•

Updated 3,536 days ago

Fire departments across Long Island are preparing for brush fire season.

Long Island is currently experiencing a moderate drought, and the dry conditions can put the area at an increased risk for brush fires.

Fire departments, including one in Ridge, say they are preparing with brush firetrucks because the risk is even higher in Suffolk County, where there are more large wooded areas.

Ridge Fire Chief Shawn Davis says any dry atmosphere or climate can cause worry. He says dry temperatures and gusty winds feed the flames, causing the fires to move quickly.

"We've had big fires by us in the previous years, so we hope that doesn't happen again," he says.

Ridge currently has two brush firetrucks and a tanker. It has a truck specifically for brush fires that features bars to help push trees. The truck holds up to 550 gallons of water.