Jesse L. Watson of 1576 Kimble Ave., Mohegan Lake, is accused of driving off in the Continental Village Fire Department's "brush truck" at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

"We watched him steal it," said Assistant Fire Chief William Rimm, who jumped on the running board and tried to get the keys. "We couldn't believe it."

Members of the department, whose district spans the border of Putnam and Westchester counties, had turned out for a call of downed wires near their own headquarters, and were preparing to answer another call when, police said, Watson was dropped off from a car and jumped into the fire rig.

He didn't get far. Police said he abandoned the truck on Winston Lane and, wearing black underwear and a blue tarpaulin, was arrested as he emerged from the woods about six hours later.

Watson was charged with robbery, burglary, grand larceny and reckless endangerment, all felonies, and driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. He was released on $10,000 bail and is due in Philipstown Town Court tomorrow.

"You can't make this up," said Chief Investigator A. Gerald Schramek of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.