If you’ve been on social media or even out and about over the weekend, you’re probably aware of the fact that the Hudson Valley has been battling intense wildfires in recent days.

Now, local fire departments are sharing the news that it’s not just wildfires. # households have experienced preventable home fires during the last 7 days according to the East Fishkill Fire District.

On Facebook, the East Fishkill Fire District is now sharing some easily overlooked hazards that may contribute to the dangerous wildfire season we are currently seeing.

Dangerous fires in and around the Hudson Valley

During the last week of October, news began to circulate of a forest fire in the hemlock grove Marlboro area. This would mark the beginning of a series of local fires that would spread through the area.

Just last weekend we saw reports of fires in the palisades and Poughkeepsie to the tragically fatal fires around Greenwood Lake which also caused evacuations.

Read more: Fire in Orange County, New York, claims one life

The reason this season has been especially dangerous for forest and brush fires is because of how dry the season has been, mixed with strong winds that have helped spread the flames.

Fire Hazards You Probably Forgot

Burn bans and states of emergency have been posted across the region, reminding residents to refrain from any type of outdoor burning, from campfires to certain barbecue grills. And while many heed the warnings, there are some overlooked dangers to watch out for.

On Saturday, November 9, the East Fishkill Fire District took to Facebook to share this message:

“In the last 7 days, members of the East Fishkill Fire District have responded to 3 homes on fire likely due to burning fuel left outside the residence.”

They went on to share a couple of other ways fires can start unintentionally and pose a risk to your home or nearby bushes.

Do not park on dry leaves

Considered one of the most critical dangers and overlooked by the Stamford Fire DepartmentParking your vehicle on dry leaves or dry grass is a major hazard to be aware of.

So how can this cause a fire?

“The Stamford Fire Department emphasizes that a catalytic converter can reach temperatures as high as 1,200°F, which is easily capable of igniting dry leaves, which can burn at temperatures as low as 300°F.”

Don’t throw cigarette butts anywhere!

He National Park Service breaks down the risk of cigarette butts in Fire Prevention Rule #52. In fact, according to the National Park Service,

“Each year, more than 500 smokers and non-smokers die in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials, making it one of the leading causes of fires in the United States.”

They recommend soaking cigarette butts AND Ashes in water before properly disposing of them in the trash to ensure no embers remain.

Do not throw ashes from wood stoves or fireplaces near houses or brush

Like cigarette butts, still-hot embers and ashes from these applicants pose a high risk of igniting dry leaves, grass, and brush.

Be alert for sparks from electrical equipment

Commonly used power tools, such as lawnmowers, can cause big problems if used on dry grass or dry leaves and weeds. He USDA Forest Service shares that these machines can ignite sparks if the blades pass over rocks.

In addition to mowing the appropriate parts of the lawn, they recommend installing spark arresters that can prevent sparks from igniting and catching fire.

Remember, DO NOT make fires outside.

Along with these overlooked fire starters, here’s another reminder to avoid lighting that campfire or campfire. With the current dry conditions, the risk is simply too high. Especially with so many of our local fire departments working to control the large number of fires already raging in the Hudson Valley.

Hidden fire hazards inside the house

Outside of wildfire season, it’s always good to periodically check the surroundings of your home for potential fire starters. Here are 10 that you can often overlook: