Overnight rain does little to help with HV wildfire situation

Despite some much-needed rain falling overnight, wildfires in the Hudson Valley continue to cause concern among officials. The Jennings Creek Wildfire, which crossed the border from New Jersey into New York’s Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County, had ripped through more than 3,000 acres as of Monday morning. It had been only about 10% contained.

According to the New York State Police, an 18-year old park ranger was killed while fighting the fire. He was identified as Daniel Vasquez, an employee of the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement saying, “My prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time. I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers, and his bravery on the front lines.”

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus went to a fire scene in the Town of Warwick.

“I want to assure you that I am working closely with Town of Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer, Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley, and my emergency services command team to coordinate the response to the fires,” Neuhaus said. “County and municipal fire sService personnel, in collaboration with state fire resources, are working tirelessly in the difficult terrain around the Town of Warwick and Greenwood Lake area to combat the fires. While first responders continue to monitor the situation closely, there is currently no immediate threat to homes or individuals. However, out of an abundance of caution, we advise residents near the fires to have an evacuation plan in place should the situation change.”

The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at the Greenwood Lake Community Center, located at 51 Waterstone Rd., in Greenwood Lake for anyone in need of assistance.

The Whitehouse Fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties is impacting more than 400 acres. The fire was reported 90% contained as of Monday morning. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers are coordinating the response that includes personnel and equipment from approximately 13 fire departments from Ulster and Sullivan Counties.

“We have deployed state assets and agencies to coordinate with local first responders in fighting these fires while closely monitoring air quality as a result of them,” Hochul said. “The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone in impacted areas, especially those vulnerable, to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.”

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has sent a portable radio tower, satellite communications truck, and cell phone system from AT&T into Ulster County.

New York State Police deployed two helicopters to fight the ongoing wildfires utilizing water drops. A helicopter water bucket typically can carry 300 gallons for each drop. State Police are also using unmanned aerial systems (drones) to monitor the spread of the wildfires. State Police urges the public to refrain from using their own drones in affected areas, as they can interfere with critical aerial support and public safety efforts.

Park Forest Rangers are in direct communication with DEC Forest Rangers coordinating the response to the fire on the Sullivan/Ulster County border.

Due to the smoke from the fires in New York and New Jersey, DEC and the State Department of Health have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory. People with existing breathing difficulties are the most likely to be affected by the smoke from the fires that is in the air.

Forecasts indicate that winds from the west were expected to carry smoke across Westchester and into Connecticut rather than south toward New York City. Wildfire smoke contains several pollutants, including particulate matter and the gas carbon monoxide. A a properly worn N95 mask can filter out large smoke particles.