One Rockland County official is reacting to word that a non-certified fire group is looking for members in his town.

"We're not looking for rogue departments to come into the town," said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. "It's inappropriate."

Hoehmann is responding to claims a religious fire group out of Ramapo called Matzilei Aish is looking for New City residents to become members to serve that area.

"We haven't heard of any instances of anybody looking to come in and try to do anything in Clarkstown. But if they do, we will respond appropriately with the full weight of the town government," Hoehmann said.

He encourages those interested in helping the community to volunteer with one of the already existing fire departments.

There was no answer at the address News 12 found for Matzilei Aish, nor has News 12 yet received a response to an email seeking comment.

As News 12 has previously reported, Rockland officials say the group lacks training and equipment and its actions have delayed responses from certified local departments.

News 12 reported in November about Matzilei Aish's response to a carbon-monoxide leak in Ramapo that later required the Monsey Fire Department to fix the situation.

One member is also facing charges for obstructing firefighting operations at a fire in Kaser on the day before Thanksgiving.

In a report last month, a representative from the group told News 12 that they started because any Orthodox organization must have a rabbinical board to oversee any religious matters that may arise and that past discussions with local fire officials about accommodating the group's religious values did not lead to a resolution.