A fire Saturday night on the Dragon Coaster at Playland Park was extinguished quickly by Rye firefighters and neighboring departments. County officials said Sunday the fire is believed to be accidental, likely the result of an electrical issue.
At 8:43 p.m. Saturday, Rye Fire Department crews were dispatched to Playland Park for a reported fire. Firefighters said they arrived on scene in under four minutes and encountered an active fire on the coaster.
Due to the size and construction of the structure and the potential for the incident to develop into a larger and more complex fire, additional resources were immediately requested. Rye firefighters quickly stretched a hose line and placed water on the fire, bringing it under control within approximately 15 minutes of arrival.
The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team responded to investigate the fire alongside county police. The cause remains under investigation.
“Playland’s beloved Dragon Coaster was slightly damaged last night during what appears to have been an electrical fire,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said Sunday. “No one was injured, and the Park is already closed for the season.”
Park officials were on scene to assess the damage, which is believed to be repairable.
“Thankfully, the damage can be repaired by Playland’s maintenance team, and we expect that work to take place during the fall,” Jenkins said. “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. Rest assured: this Dragon will rise again for Playland’s 99th season.”
Fire department units remained on scene during the investigation, with the final Rye unit clearing around 11:14 p.m.
Mutual-aid companies from Larchmont and Harrison assisted Rye firefighters with extinguishing remaining hot spots. Once the incident was stabilized, the Port Chester ladder and Rye Brook engine were reassigned to cover the City of Rye and provide continued fire protection while Rye units remained committed at Playland.
“This incident had the potential to become significantly more complex, and all responding agencies arrived quickly and were prepared to work wherever needed,” the fire department said Sunday in a statement. “Saturday’s events also demonstrate the importance of the mutual-aid partnerships maintained throughout our region.”
Earlier in the day, Rye firefighters responded to assist Harrison with a residential structure fire, and later that evening, neighboring departments responded to assist Rye.
Rye firefighters were dispatched at 10:09 a.m. Saturday, and upon arrival in Harrison, placed a second hose line into operation. Rye crews operated for approximately an hour and a half before being released and returning to the city.
“This continued partnership is both given and received, and we are grateful for the support of our neighboring fire departments and public safety agencies,” Rye Fire Department said in its statement.
Playland Park’s final day of operation for the summer season was Sept. 13. The historic Dragon Coaster was operational all summer after being closed for the entire 2025 season.
The coaster was one of several rides shuttered last year because of maintenance needs and a change in park ownership. Playland’s main attraction required significant renovations, including an entirely new dragon tunnel, before it was ready to reopen this May.
