With a statewide burn ban in effect through Oct. 15 due to persistent drought conditions, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers were busy last week putting out wildfires.

Oct. 5, ten rangers along with local fire departments began fighting a 37-acre wildfire in the Piseco Lake area. Fire crews are still working to contain it.

Oct. 3, a ranger helped extinguish a wildfire caused by burning brush at a farm in Tully. The fire was declared out two days later and the farm’s owner was ticketed for leaving a fire unattended.

Oct. 1, rangers used an inflatable boat to contain out a .7-acre fire in Tuxdeo. As of Oct. 6, the fire was 85% controlled with three hot spots.

Oct. 1 a ranger helped put out a .2-acre ground fire at a seasonal camp in Newcomb. Fire cre

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