News

🚨FIRE ALERT🚨

On 11/12/24, the Lacona Fire Department was notified by the Oswego County Fire Coordinators Office that the State Mutual Aid Plan had been initiated for wildfires in Orange County, NY. On 11/13/24 at 01:30 hours, Chief D. Kimball and FF C. Rowell left Lacona FD to head south with a brush truck (13-7-1) towing our side by side (13-7-3). The crew arrived at the staging area in Greenwood Lake, NY at approximately 07:30 hours along with the other units which responded from Oswego County. Other Oswego County units included crews from Grandby Center FD, Volney FD, Oswego Town FD, Novelis FD, and Pheonix FD.

When Oswego County crews arrived on Wednesday morning, the fire was approximately 20% contained. Oswego County crews stayed in Greenwood Lake for the duration of the 72 hour deployment. When Oswego County crews left to head home, the fire was reported to be 88% contained. Approximately 5,000 acres had burned causing the Jennings Creek fire to be the largest wildfire in New York State since 2008. There is still a lot of work to be done by the crews remaining on scene battling the fire.

Lacona’s crew was able to learn a lot from the uniqueness of battling a wildfire on the side of a mountain. Rigorous terrain, poor radio reception, and lack of water due to distance were all newly faced challenges for our firefighters. Lacona crews worked alongside many different departments including fire, EMS, and police from all over the state. The New York State Forest Rangers taught crews in the field for some on the job training and operations were always beyond smooth. Lacona crews were able to dig fire lines, clear debris, extinguish hot spots, start fire lines with drip torches, and even watch Novelis FD build a bridge! Lacona crews returned to Lacona on 11/15/24 at approximately 22:30 hours.

The hospitality and sincerity of the effected communities were nothing short of amazing. Restaurants and other local business pooled together to help feed close to 400 firefighters three meals per day which traveled from all over NYS and some surrounding states. In lieu of staying on cots in one of the local fire stations, a local community member insisted the Lacona crew stay at the Lake Lodging Motel. Lacona’s crew arrived to receive a complimentary room for the two nights we stayed. Crews were beyond grateful for this kind gesture and recommend it for anyone ever traveling in the area in the future.

While crews were deployed to Orange County, on 11/15/24 at 15:13 hours, the Lacona FD was activated by the Oswego County 911 center for a reported grass fire on County Route 15. Lacona responded with 13-0-2 (Asst. Chief), 13-4-3 (engine), and 13-5-1 (tanker). Sandy Creek FD responded mutual aid with an engine and Orwell FD responded with their side by side. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also responded. Crews worked together to extinguish the flames and any remaining hotspots. The fire had spread into a wood line which affected a few old vehicles. The affected area was approximately 150’x75’. Great work done by all. All crews returned to service at 16:52 hours.

A state-wide burn ban has been implemented and currently remains in effect until 11/30/24. ... See MoreSee Less