New York State Electric and Gas will pay a nearly $3 million penalty over a fire that happened last February in Brewster.

An investigation determined that NYSEG improperly installed a PermaLock tapping tee, which led to an underground gas leak that contributed to the fire.

When NYSEG employees arrived on the scene, they failed to have proper equipment and wasted valuable time searching for workable equipment.

NYSEG said they fully cooperated in the investigation and entering into a settlement was the best course of action.