WPCNR ALL NEWS FINAL. April 30, 2004: Black, acrid smoke could be seen from central White Plains from a brush fire that broke out approximately 2:30 PM Friday afternoon, and burned 5 to 6 acres of rushes beside the Central Westchester Expressway before the White Plains Fire Department brought it under control and doused the flames. As of 5 P.M., the Fire Department had one truck standing by to put out the "hot spots," said White Plains Fire Chief Richard Lyman. Lyman noted the Central Westchester Expressway had to be closed for an hour, tying up traffic on North Broadway.

SWAMP FIRE AFTERMATH: Chief Lyman reported that Friday afternoon's brush fire started North of the playing fields of George Washington School and spread North towards the Stop N Shop before it was brought under control. He said that 4 White Plains fire engines and two trucks responded to protect the homes on Cummings Street (off Orchard). William Houlihan, a White Plains fireman on the scene said the fire started in the middle of the swamp rushes. He said his men ran two 2-1/2 inch "attack hoses" into the brush from the end of Cummings Avenue and poured water on the fire. He noted the wind was in the fire department's favor blowing from the South, and not towards the homes on Cummings Avenue. Chief Lyman said the fire was brought under control in 15 to 20 minutes. Two trucks from North White Plains were seen pouring water on the burned area on the edge of the Stop N Shop parking lot. Firefighter Houlihan of Engine 67 said Engine 67 was on a training mission and were first to respond.  The Chief said the cause was undetermined at this time, and warranted "further investigation," but allowed for the possibility that it was a natural fire which happen. Photo by WPCNR News.