Crime & Safety

East Hampton Firefighters Douse Burning Leaves

Accidental fire started on East Hampton Village street.

A pile of leaves out on the street went up in flames on Friday night.

East Hampton Fire Department Chief Thomas Bono said he doesn't know what caused the fire, but suspects it was accidental. "It might have been a cigarette thrown out the window — I don't know," he said after firefighters cleared the scene at about 6:45 p.m.

One engine, fire police, and 15 to 20 firefighters responded when the fire was reported in front of 6 Pondview Lane in East Hampton Village at 6:22 p.m.

It didn't take long for the fire department extinguished the flames, but firefighters remained on scene for over 20 minutes to make sure it didn't rekindle.

"We soaked down the leaves and hedge row," Bono said, adding that the strong winds and dry soil added to concerns. "Even the rain that we had the other night didn't do anything. We need it to rain like that for a week," he said.

The fire chief does not think the fire is suspicious, but he said it is a good reminder not to dispose of cigarettes carelessly.


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