An unattended campfire caused a wildland fire in Naples last week, prompting a swift response from Forest Rangers and local firefighters.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the fire broke out on Oct. 29 near Clement Road in the Town of Naples, Ontario County. Rangers Dormer and Raffaldi-Smith arrived on scene just before 10 a.m. and worked alongside the Naples Fire Department to contain the blaze.
By 3 p.m., the fire was under control. DEC officials declared it fully extinguished the following day.
Investigators say the cause was a campfire that had not been properly put out.
A preventable fire
While no injuries were reported, the incident has renewed warnings about campfire safety, especially during dry conditions.
“Never leave a campfire unattended,” DEC Forest Rangers said in a statement. “When you’re done, drown it with water, stir the ashes, and make sure everything — including coals and sticks — is cold to the touch. Move rocks to check for hidden embers.”
Unattended fires are one of the leading causes of wildland fires in New York each year.
Forest Rangers stay busy statewide
The Naples fire was one of several incidents Forest Rangers responded to in recent days. According to the DEC’s weekly report, Rangers also handled wilderness rescues, hunter searches, and prescribed burns across the state.
But in the Finger Lakes, the takeaway was clear: even a small fire can quickly grow out of control if not properly managed.
For more fire safety tips, visit DEC’s fire prevention page.
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