As Cleanup From July 4 Storm Continues, Fire Official Warns About Deadly Perils Of Downed Wires

Firefighters in Golden's Bridge answered nearly 20 alarms as storm damage left downed wires, transformers, and tree limbs on roads.

By Jeff Edwards, Patch Staff

Jul 5, 2026 5:02 pm EDT

The 4th of July storm has passed, but the greatest danger lingers — especially in one hard-hit community. (Jeff Edwards/Patch)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The 4th of July storm has passed, but the greatest danger lingers — especially in one hard-hit community.

Golden's Bridge fire officials are urging residents to avoid walking, jogging or biking near downed power lines after the July 4 rain and wind storm left electrical hazards and debris across town roadways.

The Golden's Bridge Fire Department issued the warning Sunday after the storm ripped through town and left downed power lines and tree limbs in its wake. The department said firefighters have been responding to emergencies around the clock as calls continued into Sunday.

"Assume that downed power lines are live wires. If you are walking, jogging or biking - and you're approaching downed power lines — we recommend that you turn back," Golden's Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo said. "The surrounding ground, even at a distance from the actual downed wires, could be electrified. Until NYSEG responds and takes appropriate action, stay clear of all downed electrical power lines. Making contact with live wires and electrified ground could be fatal."

Melillo also urged residents to avoid local roads until utility crews can address the hazards.

"For safety's sake, please avoid jogging, walking or biking on local roads until NYSEG addresses these emergency conditions throughout the community," the Golden's Bridge fire chief added.

The department reported that from 8 p.m. Saturday night through 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 5, it responded to nearly 20 alarms. Most of those calls involved downed electrical wires and transformers, toppled tree limbs in roadways, and other incidents tied to the storm.

The fire department also reported responding to residential carbon monoxide alarms and non-storm-related emergencies during that same period. The update underscored the strain on emergency responders as dangerous conditions remained in parts of the community after the holiday storm.