The City of Rye Fire Department responded to an fire involving the Dragon Coaster at Playland on Saturday night.
At approximately 8:43 p.m., Rye Fire Department crews were dispatched to 100 Playland Parkway for a reported fire in the area of the Dragon Coaster. Firefighters arrived on scene in under four minutes and encountered an active fire involving the coaster.
Due to the size and construction of the structure and the potential for the incident to develop into a larger and more complex
fire, additional resources were immediately requested. Rye firefighters quickly stretched a hose line and placed water on the fire, bringing it under control within approximately 15 minutes of arrival.
Mutual-aid companies from Larchmont and Harrison assisted Rye firefighters with extinguishing remaining hot spots. Once
the incident was stabilized, the Port Chester ladder and Rye Brook engine were reassigned to cover the City of Rye and provide continued fire protection while Rye units remained committed at Playland.
The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate the fire alongside the Westchester County Police Department. The cause remains under investigation but is currently suspected to be accidental. The exact source of ignition has not yet been determined.
Park officials were on scene to assess the damage, which is believed to be repairable. Fire Department units remained on scene during the investigation, with the final Rye unit clearing at approximately 11:14 p.m.
The Rye Fire Department would like to thank our mutual-aid partners for their fast and ready response. This incident had the potential to become significantly more complex, and all responding agencies arrived quickly and were prepared to work wherever needed.
Saturday’s events also demonstrate the importance of the mutual-aid partnerships maintained throughout
our region. Earlier in the day, Rye firefighters responded to assist Harrison, and later that evening our neighboring departments responded to assist us. This continued partnership is both given and received, and we are grateful for
the support of our neighboring fire departments and public safety agencies.
