GREENWOOD LAKE, NY – In a continued fight to contain the sprawling 5000 acre wildfire in the Greenwood Lake area, firefighters are struggling to push the blaze, which originated in Jennings Creek, away from nearby homes and into Sterling Forest State Park. As of Wednesday 11/13, the fire has affected over 4,300 acres of state parkland in Orange County and remains just 25% contained, according to New York State Department of Conservation officers.
Helicopters and drones are also involved in the fight, repeatedly dousing flames with hundreds of gallons of water, aiming to prevent further spread. Some homes were evacuated on Sunday evening after flames approached dangerously close, causing power outages in a dozen homes. Luckily, efforts to keep the blaze away from the homes were – thus far – successful. Greenwood Lake resident Jen Woodhouse shared the harrowing experience, saying, “It was terrifying… They saved our homes without a doubt.”
The strategically executed controlled burn prevented the fire from advancing into neighborhoods, leveraging an area already damaged by a severe microburst in May. Firefighters managed to create fire lines, with volunteers and forest rangers working tirelessly overnight to secure the endangered area.
Governor Hochul’s Response and Statewide Efforts
Governor Kathy Hochul visited Greenwood Lake on Tuesday, assessing the extensive damage and promising ongoing support. “I’m incredibly grateful to the first responders and those on the frontlines that are working around the clock to stop the spread of these fires to protect their fellow New Yorkers,” the Governor said.
Hochul addressed the tragic death of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a Pomona native and recent Ramapo High School graduate, who lost his life on Saturday when a tree fell on him during firefighting operations. “My prayers go out to his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time,” Hochul said, noting his bravery and dedication.
Hochul had prior issued a temporary burn ban statewide to prevent any new fires from sparking during this period of heightened risk. “As we experience drought conditions and an increased fire risk across the State, now is not the right time to be burning outdoors, and I urge everyone to heed our warnings as we continue to take the necessary precautions to keep all New Yorkers safe.”
Air Quality and Evacuation Concerns
In Rockland County, Beth Cefalu, spokesperson for the county’s executive office, reassured residents that the wildfire was currently not spreading towards Rockland, thanks to prevailing north-northwest winds. Yet, air quality concerns are rising due to smoke drifting over northern New Jersey and southern New York. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been monitoring air quality, noting levels remain safe – but could worsen if wind conditions change.
State and Regional Wildfire Conditions
The Greenwood Lake area, like much of the Lower Hudson Valley, remains under a red flag warning, signaling a high risk for wildfire spread due to dry and windy conditions. Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher stated that, unlike previous years, “a sixfold increase” in wildfires has been recorded, with the majority fueled by ongoing drought conditions. The National Weather Service reported that while rain would aid firefighting efforts, the region’s forecast indicates continued dryness.
The fire remains uncontained but boxed in by fire lines within Sterling Forest State Park. As helicopters continue water drops and additional fire crews arrive from across the state, officials stress the importance of adhering to burn bans and caution with outdoor activities to prevent additional outbreaks.