A fire on Playland’s Dragon Coaster in Westchester County caused slight damage, but no injuries were reported and officials say the ride can be repaired. The park is already closed for the season.
Rye Fire Department crews were dispatched to 100 Playland Parkway at approximately 8:43 p.m., according to a city Facebook post. Firefighters arrived in under four minutes and found an “active fire” involving the coaster.
Officials say that because of the size and construction of the coaster and the risk for spread, additional resources were brought in. Rye firefighters brought the fire under control within about 15 minutes.
Companies from Larchmont and Harrison helped deal with remaining hot spots, according to the city.
The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate alongside the County Police Dept.
“The cause remains under investigation but is currently suspected to be accidental. The exact source of ignition has not yet been determined,” the city post said.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the fire appeared to be electrical.
“Playland’s beloved Dragon Coaster was slightly damaged last night during what appears to have been an electrical fire. No one was injured,” Jenkins said. “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.”
Jenkins added: “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,” Jenkins said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.
