Firepit Ashes Cause Shed, Brush Fire In Chappaqua

CHAPPAQUA, NY — Ashes from a firepit burned down a shed in Chappaqua and caused a brush fire as well on Sunday.

At 1:05 PM the Chappaqua Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a shed on fire.

Upon arrival one minute later, Chief Russell Maitland found the shed to be fully involved and a brush fire spreading into the woods. Assistant Chief Paul Eiden ensured a water supply was established with Engine 144.

Ladder 52 from Millwood Fire assisted with Millwood Assistant Chief Rob McCarthy by stretching a second hoseline to help extinguish the shed and the associated small brush fire.

Chappaqua Ambulance also responded.

The fire was determined to have started on the exterior of the shed. Preliminary investigation concluded the homeowner had placed ashes there from an outside portable fire pit.

One firefighter was treated at the scene by Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance for a bee sting. The shed fire and brush fire were placed under control 15 minutes after arrival.

The Chappaqua Fire Department asks residents to please remember ash from fireplaces and fire pits can remain hot for up to one week. "Please dispose of these materials carefully. We recommend a metal trash container that is far away from combustible materials."