Volunteers with Water Witch Hose Company #2 in New Milford are thanking the community for their support during a recent battle with a large fire. At the end of July, a fire was spotted in the woods off of Indian Ridge. Crews spent days at Lover's Leap State Park battling a fire that consumed many acres of land and tested the strength of the department. With the lack of rain and high heat index, Fire Chief Todd Russell says the forest floor was primed for a horrible outcome. Coupled with the difficult access of the fires location, 15 different municipalities were called in for manpower, tankers and station coverage.
Russell notes that rehab of water and cooling stations were provided by New Milford Ambulance and assisted by Roxbury EMS and their Rehab Unit. He thanked every department, along with the State Forestry Crews, that held the lines over the next few days.
He says residents brought out towels, water, Gatorade, food the moment the call came in. Russell says residents also called nearby JoJo’s Deli, which opened at midnight and fed crews for the duration. Citizens also donated to a fund established by people who lived in the area they were protecting.
Russell called it an amazing outpouring, which made members know their efforts are appreciated.
