Firefighters, the woods, trying to put out the brush fire

FISHKILL – Strong winds fanned the flames Friday as a brush fire consumed more than 100 acres of woodland on the Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill.

The fire, which began late Thursday afternoon and burned about six acres, continued to spread Friday until late in the day when firefighters were able to contain it.

Earlier in the day it had been contained in some areas, but had jumped the perimeter in others.

The winds, volume of fallen leaves and rough terrain made it difficult for firefighters to knock it back.

A total of 20 fire departments from Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Ulster counties were called in to fight the fire.

The 2,300 acre Sharpe Reservation is owned by the Fresh Air Fund, an organization that provides camping and other activities for inner city kids.