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Forest fire near prison in Washington County
Apr 18, 2012 — State officials say a forest and brush fire scorched six acres of state land in the Washington County hamlet of Comstock, near the Washington Correctional Facility.
According to DEC spokesman David Winchell, state forest rangers and local volunteer fire crews were on the scene battling the blaze yesterday afternoon. The fire was contained last night.
According to DEC spokesman David Winchell, state forest rangers and local volunteer fire crews were on the scene battling the blaze yesterday afternoon. The fire was contained last night.
A spokesman for the Department of Correctional Services, Peter Cutler, confirmed that blaze began as a brush fire near the prison. He said the fire has had no impact on the operations of the facility or the safety of the inmates.
There have been no reports of injuries or serious property damage.
The fire broke out near the prison's shooting range, but Cutler said it was unclear whether firearm activity sparked the blaze.
Due to extremely dry weather conditions this spring, a burn ban is in effect for the North Country through May 15th. Forest rangers and local fire crews have already battled a number of small brush and forest fires across the region.
