On Thurs 11/13/14 at approximately 7:15am, Mohegan Fire units were dispatched to the intersection of Catherine Street and Depeyster Dr in Yorktown for an outside smoke investigation. Upon arrival heavy smoke was found in the area emanating from the woods behind Depeyster Dr. Units further investigated and found an active brush fire approximately 20ft x 20ft in a leaf pile 25ft high in the rear of a residence on North 1st St in Cortlandt. Due to the size of the fire, Car 2265 immediately requested additional manpower to the scene and members stretched 350ft of 1 3/4" hoseline from Engine 254 into the woods. A 2 1/2" supply hose was also stretched approximately 200 feet to a nearby fire hydrant to supply sufficient water to Engine 254. The fire was extinguished and units remained on scene until approximately 8:45am cleaning up equipment and checking for additional hot spots. Units operating on scene were Car 2265, Engine 254, and Ladder 35. All units cleared by 8:45am. This fire was caused by the homeowner improperly disposing of fireplace ashes in the woods. The Mohegan FD would like to remind everybody to dispose of fireplace ashes properly in a secure location to prevent further fires.