With winter behind us, we are now starting to enjoy some warm weather. Warm, breezy spring weather means dry vegetation that can result in brush fires that burn and spread quickly. Burning embers from brush fires can be carried on the wind causing multiple fires. Many homeowners are tempted to try extinguishing fires themselves before calling the fire department. If you should spot a brush fire your best action is to notify the Bellport Fire Department immediately by dialing 911. Homeowners living in proximity to woodland areas should take some landscaping and home maintenance steps to ensure safer surroundings.

Landscaping Tips

• Keep grass around your home cut and watered.

• Remove dead and piled up vegetation from your property.

• Store firewood away from structures.

• Plants trees and shrubs with room to grow. The distance from tree to house should always be greater than the height of the tree.

• Try not to use plants that develop dead undergrowth.

• Do not place plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.

• Water often to keep plants healthy and green.

• Keep sprinkler systems in good working order.

• Trim dead wood off of trees.

 Home Maintenance Tips

• Trash and debris should be properly disposed of. Piles of trash, old home furnishings, boxes and even cars are potential fire hazards.

• Store flammable liquids, and chemicals such fertilizer and pool chlorine properly.

• Always dispose of cigarettes carefully.

• Keep roofs clean and clear of leaves and dead branches.
   

Bellport Fire Dept. Buzzard Hook and Ladder Co. 10th Annual Craft Fair

Remembering the March 8, 1963 fire at Bellport High School. Click on the image to the left to read the article.

Each year, Mayor Trotta honors volunteers of Fire and EMS services with an annual Volunteer Award that goes on a perpetual plaque prominently displayed at the Village Hall. Two separate plaques read as follows: "This award will be given annually by the Mayor to an exceptional member, to foster continual cooperation on and in recognition of the exemplary work by the volunteers of the Bellport Fire Department and South Country Ambulance Company. Awarded on behalf of the residents of the Village of Bellport."

Bellport Fire Department Award Recipients

1984	Thomas Stines
1985	Roger Neumann
1986	Walter Van Vleck
1987	Robert W. Lauper
1988	Charles Satterley
1989	David Waldron
1990	George Van Schaick
1991	William Moran
1992	Chester Arthur Jr.
1993	Wendy Wayte
1994	Brooks Dermont
1995	Robert Merkel
1996	David Didio
1997	Timothy Hoeffner
1998	Gary Pils
1999	Richard Moran
2000	All Members of the BFD
2001	Keith Beutel
2002	Diane Hartman
2003	Kieran Murphy
2004	David Didio
2005	Greg Behl
2006	Jason Crane