RYE, NY (September 20, 2026) — A fire damaged the Dragon Coaster at Playland Saturday night, with Rye firefighters bringing the blaze under control within about 15 minutes as investigators worked to determine the exact source of ignition.
The Rye Fire Department was dispatched to 100 Playland Parkway at approximately 8:43 p.m. Saturday 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 fire to become larger and more complex, additional resources were immediately requested. Rye firefighters stretched a hose line and placed water on the fire, bringing it under control within approximately 15 minutes of their arrival.
Mutual-aid companies from Larchmont and Harrison assisted Rye firefighters with extinguishing remaining hot spots. A Port Chester ladder and Rye Brook engine were reassigned to cover the City of Rye and provide continued fire protection while Rye units remained at Playland.
The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate the fire along with the Westchester County Police Department. The cause remains under investigation but is suspected to be accidental, according to the Rye Fire Department. The exact source of ignition has not been determined.
Park officials were at the scene assessing damage, which is believed to be repairable. The final Rye Fire Department unit cleared the scene at approximately 11:14 p.m.
The Playland fire came after Rye firefighters responded earlier Saturday to assist Harrison with a residential structure fire.
At approximately 10:09 a.m., the Rye Fire Department FAST Team was dispatched to Harrison. Rye firefighters were assigned to place a second hose line into operation and assist with overhaul. Crews operated for approximately an hour and a half before returning to Rye.
“The Rye Fire Department would like to thank our mutual-aid partners for their fast and ready response,” the department said. “This incident had the potential to become significantly more complex, and all responding agencies arrived quickly and were prepared to work wherever needed.”
The department said Saturday’s two fires demonstrated the importance of regional mutual-aid partnerships, with Rye firefighters assisting Harrison earlier in the day and neighboring departments responding to assist Rye that evening.
“This continued partnership is both given and received, and we are grateful for the support of our neighboring fire departments and public safety agencies,” the department said.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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