New South Blooming Grove fire department told residents to call them — officials say don’t
County says village department should not be directing residents away from 911 and can only respond as mutual aid
Confusion is growing in South Blooming Grove after a newly formed village fire department told residents to call a direct number in an emergency — something county officials say should not happen.
In a Facebook post, the Village of South Blooming Grove Fire Department said it is “now in service,” and told residents: “to report a fire or gas emergency call 845-585-1212.”
But the Orange County Office of Emergency Services tells News 12 that guidance goes against how emergency response is supposed to work.
Officials say residents should always call 911, which ensures the proper agencies are dispatched as quickly as possible.
County officials say the Village of South Blooming Grove Fire Department was established in 2023. They say the village sought and received approval from New York state and that its members have since completed state fire training, along with county-level exterior firefighting training.
Right now, the South Blooming Grove Fire District remains the primary provider of fire protection for the entire Town of Blooming Grove, including the village.
County officials say the new village department is only authorized by the county to respond as mutual aid — meaning it can assist on calls when requested, but is not a primary responding agency.
They also say the department is not qualified to respond to emergencies on its own because its members are only trained for exterior firefighting.
If the new department were to respond to calls independently, officials say it could become a law enforcement issue and may ultimately have to be resolved in court.
Village leaders have previously said the department was created in response to rapid growth and increased demand for emergency services in the area, which they say is putting pressure on the existing volunteer force.
Still, the messaging has raised concern among some residents.
“I don’t need gentleman arriving in SUVs to look at the situation and decide. Precious minutes are wasted,” said Kelly Parzer, who has lived in South Blooming Grove for more than two decades. “911 alerts all the responsible parties — this number is just alerting an address.”
The South Blooming Grove Fire District tells News 12 it has serious concerns about how the new department appears to be operating.
News 12 reached out to village officials for clarification but has not received a response.
County officials stress that in any emergency, residents should call 911.
