Plattekill Fire Department Shares Photos Showing Why You Should Close Your Door at Night

What's The Difference Between These 3 Fire Scene Photos?

The Plattekill Fire Department is using photos from a recent fire to show how important one specific detail can possibly save your life during a house fire.

On social media the Ulster County fire department shared the following photos, and many can see a significant difference.
In the first photo we see a room that was completely destroyed by a fire. The second photo is of a hallway that is also heavily damaged.

Then, in the final photo we see a room with little to no fire damage. Why is that?

Plattekill Fire Department: Close Before You Doze

According to the Plattekill Fire Department, the room in the 3rd photo was spared from the fire because the door was closed.

They write "When the initial search was being executed, the team made entry through that bedroom door, they found tenable conditions." Plattekill FD added:

No fire extension. Minimal smoke. A survivable space. Same house. Same fire. One closed door.

The fire department explains that in "today's modern fire environment, contents burn faster and hotter than ever before."

There many only be a few minutes to survive, but having a closed door "acts as a barrier — limiting heat, slowing smoke spread, and buying critical time for escape or rescue."

The Plattekill Fire Department urges the community to take the 2 seconds to close your door before you go to bed.

Protect your space.

Give yourself a chance.

2026 New York State Burn Ban Reminder

While we're on the topic of fire, we would be remised if we didn't use this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming New York State Burn Ban.

It was recently announced that the 2026 Burn Ban will go into effect on March 16th and will run until May 14th.

When the burn ban goes into effect there are a few rules and regulations that New York State residents must follow.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation during the burn ban you're NOT allowed to burn the following:

Sticks
Brush
Leaves
Branches

However, tree limbs and branches less that 6 inches in diameter in towns with populations under 20,000 are fair game.

Additionally, residents can use small cooking grills and campfires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet in length, as long as they are using clean and untreated wood.

The DEC reminds New Yorkers that burning your garbage and leaves is prohibited year-round.