Over 100 firefighters fought a large brush fire in the town of Owego Sunday afternoon. The fire broke out around 12:30, in the area of State Route 17C and behind 899 Tilbury Hill Road. It was under control around 6 o’clock. The fire is under investigation by the New York State DEC Forrest Rangers. According to Tioga County Fire Coordinator John Scott, over 100 firefighters from 15 fire departments in Broome and Tioga County responded. No one was injured. The fire burned approximately 21 acres of wooded area on the side of a very steep hill. Other than woodland, no property was damaged. Owego Town Supervisor Don Castellucci declared a State of Emergency briefly in the town around 4:30 p.m. The declaration authorizes the use of all funds and resources necessary to protect life and property. It was lifted a short time later around 8:00 p.m. A nearby home was in jeopardy of being burnt. One team of firefighters was tasked specifically with protecting the perimeter of that home throughout the entire operation. Sunday’s winds spread the fire quickly. Brush fires are common this time of year. The New York State DEC issued a moderate brush and grass fire danger risk Sunday, an a statewide burn ban is in effect.
