West Danby Fire and Rescue

09/11/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE – MUTUAL AID RESPONSE

On September 11, 2026, at approximately 12:36 PM, the West Danby Fire Department was requested as a mutual aid company by the Spencer Fire Department for a reported commercial structure fire at 15 North Main Street in the Village of Spencer.

Within two minutes of the request, Lieutenant Shawn Wendt (1481) and Assistant Chief Ken VanEtten (1462) were en route to the scene. Tanker 1421 responded shortly afterward.

Upon arrival, Assistant Chief VanEtten established Tompkins Command to assist with coordinating the numerous agencies responding from Tompkins, Tioga and Chemung Counties.

Tanker 1421 was assigned to water supply operations at Nichols Pond and remained there for the duration of the incident, supplying water to multiple aerial devices and attack engines operating at the fire.

West Danby personnel remained on scene for several hours assisting with operations. At approximately 6:15 PM, all West Danby units cleared the incident and returned to service in district.

Other agencies included: Bangs Ambulance, Newfield Fire Co., Danby Volunteer Fire Company, Spencer Fire Company, Community Fire & Rescue Dept 24, Candor Fire Department, Lockwood Fire Department, Halsey Valley Fire Department, Tioga Center Fire Department, Waverly-Barton Fire Department, Campville Fire Department, Weltonville Fire Department, Newark Valley Fire Department, and Spencer Ambulance.

Incidents of this size require a tremendous amount of coordination and teamwork. We would like to recognize all of the firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, law enforcement, and other agencies who worked together throughout the afternoon. We are proud of our West Danby members who answered the call and spent several hours assisting our neighboring departments.

Our thoughts are with the business owners and everyone affected by today’s fire.

Photo Note: Any photos showing WDFD members were taken after the fire had been brought under control and personnel had been released from their active assignments. Photos were not taken in place of operational duties.

09/11/2026

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of 9/11/2001, it is hard to imagine that 2,977 people were making dinner for the last time, packing their suitcases for the last time, helping kids with homework for the last time, calling their mom for the last time, calling their friends for the last time, tucking in their kids for the last time, and kissing their loved ones for the last time…. 9/10/2001
9/11/2001
And then waking up for the last time…..
We will never forget.
We will never forget the selfless heroes that ran into burning buildings to save others, office staff carrying out co-workers who were unable, passengers and crew who fought back, tens of thousands of first responders and contractors who cleared the buildings and recovered victims, military members who jumped into action and medical staff who saved so many that day….
We will never forget the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe on foreign and domestic soil, the continuing victims of 9/11 diseases, and the service men and women who sacrificed their lives for us.
We will never forget the families who still suffer from the loss of loved ones, the responders who still suffer with 9/11 illnesses, the children growing up without a parent, spouses who lost their soulmate, and parents who lost a child.
We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/11/2026

08/10/2026

Drive ends August 31st!!! Get your scrap in soon!

We’re holding a Scrap Metal Drive, and we’d love your help!

A scrap dumpster is now located at the West Danby Fire Station (47 Sylvan Ln, West Danby) and will remain there until it’s full.

We accept almost any metal, including steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and more.

Please do NOT bring:
❌ Propane tanks
❌ Refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, or anything containing refrigerants
❌ Any items with compressed gases

Have large or heavy items you can’t move? We may be able to help! Just send us a message on Facebook with your contact information and a brief description of what you have, and we’ll reach out to you.

A special thank you to T***s & Son Scrap for providing the dumpster and helping make this fundraiser possible.

Every piece of scrap donated helps support the West Danby Volunteer Fire Department and our mission of serving the community. We appreciate your support!

08/04/2026

08/02/2026

UPDATE: The road is now open. Please use caution while traveling through the area, as the damaged utility pole remains leaning over the roadway. The pole has been secured, and NYSEG will return to complete repairs.

Be advised. West Danby Fire Department is operating on the scene of a single car motor vehicle accident on West Danby Rd near Station Rd. Right now West Danby Rd is limited access. Please exercise caution when driving in the area and stay alert for directions from emergency personnel.

07/28/2026

Earlier this year on February 28th, following a serious motor vehicle accident, a community member stopped to help one of the people involved. He cut the occupant’s seatbelt and helped him out of the vehicle before it became fully involved in fire.

Tonight, The West Danby Volunteer Fire Department was proud to recently recognize Paul Hemsley for his courageous actions by presenting him with a plaque for his lifesaving efforts.

His quick thinking, compassion, and willingness to step in during a dangerous situation likely saved a life. We are grateful to have people in our community who are willing to help others when it matters most.

Please join us in recognizing and thanking him for his actions.

07/21/2026

We’re holding a Scrap Metal Drive, and we’d love your help!

A scrap dumpster is now located at the West Danby Fire Station (47 Sylvan Ln, West Danby) and will remain there until it’s full.

We accept almost any metal, including steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and more.

Please do NOT bring:
❌ Propane tanks
❌ Refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, or anything containing refrigerants
❌ Any items with compressed gases

Have large or heavy items you can’t move? We may be able to help! Just send us a message on Facebook with your contact information and a brief description of what you have, and we’ll reach out to you.

A special thank you to T***s & Son Scrap for providing the dumpster and helping make this fundraiser possible.

Every piece of scrap donated helps support the West Danby Volunteer Fire Department and our mission of serving the community. We appreciate your support!

07/15/2026

⚠️ UPDATE 7/20/2026 10:00 AM

There is no change in forecast today but there is a chance we may see a few temporary spikes of ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG), especially in Western New York, Central New York, and Eastern Lake Ontario.

To check your air quality, visit https://www.airnow.gov or download the AirNow app for regular updates.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 6:20pm

As of 6pm, air quality in the Adirondacks worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and the Lower Hudson Valley region worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 3:30pm

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an air quality health advisory tomorrow, July 19th, for Central and Western NY for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 3pm

As of 3 p.m., air quality in the Upper Hudson Valley region worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 2pm

As of 2pm, air quality in the Adirondacks and Upper Hudson Valley regions worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ and Lower Hudson Valley region worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 12pm

As of 12pm, air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley region worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ and Rockland County worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 11:10am

As of 11 a.m., air quality in Syracuse and Westchester County worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 10:20am

As of 10am, air quality in Rochester worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and Syracuse and Rockland County worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 9:20am

As of 9am, air quality in Western New York worsened to ‘Very Unhealthy’ and Westchester worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 8:20am

As of 8 am, air quality in the Southern Tier region worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and Rochester worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’.

Saturday air quality outlook: Shifts in the ongoing Canadian wildfire plume are expected to negatively impact air quality statewide today and create unhealthy conditions outdoors.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 7:30am

As of 7am, air quality on Long Island worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ Individual location conditions may vary.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/18/26 at 6:30am

As of 6 am, air quality in Buffalo and New York City worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and air quality in the Southern Tier and Long Island worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/17/26 at 3:30pm

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an air quality health advisory for tomorrow, July 18th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

- The Western NY, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central NY, NYC Metro, and Long Island regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy.
- The Adirondacks, and Upper and Lower Hudson Valley are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/17/26 at 12pm

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an updated air quality health advisory for today, July 17th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.

The updated advisory is:

- The Western NY region is forecast to reach Very Unhealthy.
- The Central NY Region is forecast to reach Unhealthy.
- The Long Island, NYC Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, and Eastern Lake Ontario regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/17/26 at 7:20am

DEC is still seeing ‘unhealthy’ air quality in Western and Central New York, the Southern Tier, Rockland, Westchester, New York City, and Long Island, with weather expected to shift and smoke plumes anticipated to decrease throughout the day. DEC will continue to monitor the forecast to adjust Air Quality Health Advisories as needed.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 7:15pm

As of 7 pm, air quality in the New York City Metro region has worsened to ‘Very Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 6:20pm

As of 6pm, air quality in the Upper and Lower Hudson Valley regions has worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’ Individual location conditions may vary.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 5:15pm

As of 5pm, air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley has worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’ Air quality in the New York City Metro region worsened to ‘Unhealthy.’

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 4:15pm

As of 4pm, air quality on Long Island worsened to ‘Unhealthy’ and air quality in the Upper Hudson Valley, Lower Hudson Valley, and New York City Metro regions worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 2:15pm

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an air quality health advisory for TOMORROW, July 17th, for fine particulate matter for Western NY due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada.

A incoming cold front will begin to push the smoke plume to the south starting late tonight. This front will clear almost all regions and leave them in upper moderate, besides the regions out west. The winds in the western half the state will be weaker, leaving a lighter pocket of smoke to linger in the Buffalo area. Buffalo will remain in upper Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Central NY and Eastern Lake Ontario are currently in upper moderates but will need to be reevaluated in the morning in case there are any changes in the winds and need to be upgraded.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 2:15pm

As of 2 p.m., air quality on Long Island worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 1:15pm

As of 1 p.m., air quality in the Southern Tier worsened to ‘Very Unhealthy’. Individual location conditions may vary.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 12pm

As of 12pm, air quality in the Adirondacks worsened to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ and Rochester worsened to ‘Very Unhealthy’.

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 10:45AM

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an air quality health advisory for today, July 16th, for fine particulate matter due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada.

The updated advisory is as follows:

- The Long Island, New York City Metro, and Lower Hudson Valley regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy.
- The Upper Hudson Valley, and Adirondack regions are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
- The Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York regions are forecast to reach Very Unhealthy.

For the latest AQI forecast: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

⚠️ UPDATE 7/16/26 at 8:20AM

Headed into Thursday morning, DEC air monitors in Buffalo, the Southern Tier, and Syracuse are already reporting ‘Unhealthy’ air levels, with Rochester and New York City reporting levels ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’ An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect statewide today due to smoke continuing to move through state, and the potential for temporary spikes of “Very Unhealthy” air quality.

For more safety and health precautions: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-updates-new-yorkers-air-quality-advisory-expanded-entire-state

⚠️UPDATED 7/15/26 at 5:50PM

DEC and NYSDOH - New York State Health Department have issued an air quality health advisory for TOMORROW, July 16th, for fine particulate matter for all of New York State due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada.

For the latest AQI forecast: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/

⚠️UPDATED 7/15/26 at 10:13AM

Wildfire smoke from northern Canada and high temperatures are expected to create unhealthy air conditions. Smoke will be visible and is set to first cross into western areas early this morning before disbursing across the state.

In addition to an Air Quality Health Advisory issued for particulate matter for Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York, all regions may see temporary spikes in smoke-related pollution. Sensitive groups should take particular caution.

DEC will continue to closely monitor conditions. Be Air Aware!

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the founding of our nation and the ideals that continue to shape it.

For nearly 250 years, Americans from every walk of life have helped build the communities we call home. That spirit lives on in neighbors lending a hand, communities coming together, and ordinary people choosing to serve something greater than themselves.

At the West Danby Fire Department, we’re proud to be part of that tradition. Every call we answer is a reminder that service is about being there when your community needs you.

From our WDFD family to yours, we wish you a happy and memorable Fourth of July. 🇺🇸🚒