Rockland County Wildfire: Crews continue work to put out brush fires

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Massive Rockland County brush fire burns over 50 acres

Authories say there was already a red flag warning when sparks from a CSX train lit the inferno that swallowed more than 50 acres from Tompkins Cove to Congers. Morgan Norwood has

ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- Less than 24 hours after flames broke out, representatives were seen talking with the owner of a home in Congers - the fire burning a shed to the ground, leaving long slivers of sheet metal flapping in the wind.

CSX trains were going by slower than usual and were careful not to re-ignite the still-smoldering brush along Haverstraw.

"There were reports this morning of a couple of hot spots that popped up, but thankfully at this point everything has been extinguished," said Clarkstown Police Detective Norm Peters.

Chris Brizuela was over at his father's home Saturday right along the fire line - he tried to make it over Friday as the plumes of black smoke blanketed the skies.

"The car is smoking hot - it was - luckily it didn't get any worse...just a cover," Brizuela said.

Authories say there was already a red flag warning when sparks from a CSX train lit the inferno that swallowed more than 50 acres from Tompkins Cove to Congers just before 2 p.m. Friday.

CSX says when the call came in to stop train traffic due to the brush fires, they 'inspected the train that was in the area and no issues were reported.'

Lawmakers have been demanding answers. Senator Bill Weber called for a meeting with CSX to ensure this never happens again. Congressman Mike Lawler is asking for a thorough investigation - and they are not the only ones.

"Thank God no one got hurt, because the fire was cooking," added Brizuela.

ALSO READ | Large brush fires across Rockland County likely caused by train sparks

Multiple large brush fires from Congers to Stony Point might have started by sparks from a passing CSX train during track maintenance, officials said. Morgan Norwood has the latest details.

Eyewitness News reporter Morgan Norwood spoke to a woman on Friday who rushed to her parent's home when she heard how close flames were to her childhood home.

Multiple large brush fires from Congers to Stony Point might have started by sparks from a passing CSX train during track maintenance, officials said.

She and a friend began to unravel garden hoses and attempted to keep the flames at bay just a few feet from the family pool.