Cornell Plantations’ Ringwood Natural Area Suffers Forest Fire

An alert neighbor called 911 and responders from eight different volunteer fire companies assisted in putting out the blaze. The local fire departments on hand were: Dryden, Varna, Freeville, McLean, Brooktondale, Cayuga Heights, Slaterville, and Etna with the Varna Fire Department leading the incident command under chief Vincent Monticello. The departments battled the fire using traditional trucks, off road UTV units, and hand equipment.

“Their quick and effective response limited what could have been catastrophic damage to the natural area and local community,” state Todd Bittner, director of natural areas at Cornell Plantations. “As a result, no one was injured, no structures were lost and less than five acres were burned.”

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all the responders for their efforts in putting this fire out. Please be aware that Ithaca and the surrounding areas are under a “Red Flag Warning,” and there is a “no open burn ban” until May 15, 2015.  At this time the authorities are unsure of how the fire started.  We ask all visitors to our natural areas, and all those in our community to be aware of your surroundings, and to not start unauthorized fires, or discard of lit cigarettes on the ground. Please remember that in these dry conditions a fire can be started and can be spread very quickly.

For more information about the Ringwood Natural Areas, click here.