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Three acres in Bethany charred in fire after controlled burn spreads to wooded area

By Howard B. Owens

Approximately three acres in Bethany of trees and leaves were burned Monday night after flames jumped out of a controlled burn and raced along the hillsides of a resident's property.

A resident was burning leaves, according to Jim Bouton, with Genesee Emergency Services, which ignited leaves he didn't intend to burn. The fire, pushed on by gusting winds, spread quickly north and east.

Bethany Fire Department was initially dispatched at 3:50 p.m. to 10689 Bethany Center Road. Also responding were Alexander, Bethany, Stafford, Town of Batavia and Wyoming.

Crews were on scene for three hours.

No structures were damaged. Crews were able to keep the fire away from most of a private campground and picnic area, which included a travel trailer and pavilion. They also prevented the fire from spreading into a ravine.

(Initial Report)

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