OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Longtime resident Michael Schoenl, of Sheridan, shared with the Sheridan Town Council at a recent meeting how he has been impacted by recent controlled burning in the town in which he has lived for 46 years.

SHERIDAN — Imagine waking up to a room full of smoke and fearing your house is on fire.

Michael Schoenl, a resident of the town for 46 years, appeared before the Town Board at a meeting this week to describe how controlled burning in the town has severely impacted his quality of life.

“Whatever ‘controlled’ burning is happening around my property has caused abundant smoke, which settles and stays on my property,” said Schoenl. “I cannot go outside without suffering from smoke inhalation. I have to close my windows, but by then it’s even too late. … Previously I had to call the fire department when I awoke inhaling smoke and I thought my house was on fire. As a resident of the town of Sheridan, I should not have to live this way, nor will I.”

Schoenl lives on Route 39 and Center Road in Sheridan.

He claims the burning is being done above his property and the smoke settles on his land down below.

“It’s not controlled burning if my lungs are burning in my own home,” said Schoenl. “Would you live this way? I won’t.”

Schoenl claims this issue has happened in the past, but that it has happened much more than usual this summer.

“I am requesting that the honorable board members find a resolution to this problem,” said Schoenl.

“It is certainly not only the solemn duty of the town of Sheridan to protect its residents from harm and health hazards, it’s also your legal obligation.”

Schoenl later clarified, “I don’t want to stop burning in the town of Sheridan, that’s silly. … But a ‘controlled burn’ isn’t controlled if this is what’s happening.”

The Town Board is looking further into the matter.