Historic Playland Dragon Coaster 'Slightly Damaged' In Weekend Fire

RYE, NY — A historic Hudson Valley landmark suffered minor damage in a fire this weekend, but that wasn't the only emergency firefighters had to deal with.

Rye firefighters responded to two confirmed fires on Saturday, Sept. 19, first assisting at a house fire in Harrison and later knocking down a fire involving the Dragon Coaster at Playland, according to the City of Rye Fire Department.

At 10:09 a.m., the Rye Fire Department FAST Team was dispatched to Harrison for a house fire. After arriving, Rye firefighters were assigned to place a second hose line into operation and help with overhaul. Rye crews operated at the scene for about an hour and a half before being released and returning to the city.

Later, at about 8:43 p.m., Rye fire crews were dispatched to Playland Parkway for a reported fire in the area of the Dragon Coaster. Firefighters arrived in under four minutes and found an active fire involving the coaster. Because of the size and construction of the structure and the potential for the incident to become larger and more complex, additional resources were requested.

Rye firefighters stretched a hose line and put water on the fire, bringing it under control within about 15 minutes of arrival, according to the fire department. Mutual aid companies from Larchmont and Harrison assisted with extinguishing remaining hot spots. After the scene was stabilized, the Port Chester ladder and Rye Brook engine were reassigned to cover the City of Rye while Rye units remained committed at Playland.

The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate with the Westchester County Police Department. The cause remains under investigation, but is currently suspected to be accidental. The exact source of ignition had not been determined. Park officials were at the scene to assess damage, which is believed to be repairable.

The final Rye unit cleared the scene at about 11:14 p.m.

"Playland's beloved Dragon Coaster was slightly damaged last night during what appears to have been an electrical fire," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement. "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."

The county executive said that the iconic attraction will be ready in time to welcome visitors next season.

"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," Jenkins said. "Rest assured: this Dragon will rise again for Playland’s 99th season."