A massive fire destroyed dozens of buildings and about 50 acres of land in the Town of Wawarsing - and firefighters say it all could have been avoided. Our Elaina Athans has the details.

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WAWARSING, N.Y. -- Firefighters said this weekend's massive fire that destroyed dozens of buildings and about 50 acres of land in Wawarsing could have been avoided.

The fire broke out Saturday, and it's believed to have started when someone was burning brush. High winds and dry conditions caused the fire to spread quickly. Some parts were still smoldering two days later, and firefighters said they battled some flare-ups.

A statewide burn ban is in effect until May 15th and a Red Flag warning is also in effect because of the dry conditions.

"You still have your prevailing winds coming through this time of the year, you have a low percentage of rainfall to dampen and don’t forget this past winter we did not have no snow impact and that usually helps too," said Charles Mutz, Ulster Fire Chief Coordinator.

Those who violate the restrictions will be charged with misdemeanors. Police are still looking for the person who started the brush fire.