(Updated 9/20 11:30am)
The fire that broke out on Rye Playland’s dragon coaster Saturday evening is suspected to be accidental.
According to Rye FD, the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate the fire alongside the Westchester County Police Department. The cause “remains under investigation but is currently suspected to be accidental. The exact source of ignition has not yet been determined.”
The fire started in an area of the Dragon Coaster that is 30 feet off the ground. Earlier on Sunday, work was being done in the area.
Dragon Coaster Fire
The Rye Fire Department was dispatched to Rye Playland at 8:43 p.m. on Saturday evening for a reported fire in the area of the Dragon Coaster. Firefighters arrived on scene in under four minutes and encountered an active fire involving the coaster.
Due to the size and construction of the structure and the potential for the incident to develop into a larger and more complex fire, additional resources were immediately requested. Rye firefighters quickly stretched a hose line and placed water on the fire, bringing it under control within approximately 15 minutes of arrival.
Mutual-aid companies from Larchmont and Harrison assisted Rye firefighters with extinguishing remaining hot spots. Once the incident was stabilized, the Port Chester ladder and Rye Brook engine were reassigned to cover the City of Rye and provide continued fire protection while Rye units remained committed at Playland.
Park officials were on scene to assess the damage, which is believed to be repairable. Fire Department units remained on scene during the investigation, with the final Rye unit clearing at approximately 11:14 p.m.
County Comments
Late Sunday morning the county did issue comments on the fire and thanked the Rye Fire Department.
“Playland’s beloved Dragon Coaster was slightly damaged last night during what appears to have been an electrical fire,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “No one was injured, and the Park is already closed for the season. We are grateful to the Rye Fire Department for their quick response and for extinguishing the fire. Thankfully, the damage can be repaired by Playland’s maintenance team and we expect that work to take place during the fall.
We know how much the Dragon Coaster means to generations of Playland enthusiasts, and we appreciate the concern we have heard from so many Dragon Coaster fans. Rest assured: this Dragon will rise again for Playland’s 99th season.”
