GREENWOOD LAKE, NY – After a brief overnight rainfall, wildfires in the Hudson Valley continue to alarm officials and residents alike. Among the most severe is the Jennings Creek Wildfire, which advanced from New Jersey into New York’s Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County. As of Monday morning, this fire had ravaged over 3,000 acres and was only approximately 15% contained.
Rockland County fire departments across the county jumped into the multi-agency effort to contain the threat, which overnight jumped into residential territories. Rockland Buff’s Facebook page announced on Sunday that Fire Departments from the Towns of Clarkstown, Orangetown, Haverstraw and Ramapo were deployed to the Greenwood Lake area.
Tragically, over the weekend, the wildfire claimed the life of an 18-year-old park ranger, Daniel Vasquez, who was employed by the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The New York State Police confirmed his death, marking a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those on the front lines.
A GoFundMe was created for Dariel in his memory and to assist the family members during this difficult time.
Governor Kathy Hochul extended her condolences to Vasquez’s family, friends, and colleagues, lauding his courage. “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,” Hochul stated.
At the fire site in the Town of Warwick, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus met with local officials to oversee response efforts. Neuhaus reassured the public, saying, “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. County and municipal fire service 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.”
Neuhaus advised residents to remain cautious, noting that while no homes or individuals were in immediate danger, residents close to the fires should prepare an evacuation plan if conditions change.
In response, the Red Cross established a temporary shelter at the Greenwood Lake Community Center, located at 51 Waterstone Rd., to assist anyone displaced or in need of support due to the fire.
Governor Hochul reiterated the state’s commitment to safety and preparedness, stating, “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. 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 dispatched additional resources, including a portable radio tower, a satellite communications truck, and an AT&T-supported cell phone system to Ulster County. These tools are critical to ensuring seamless communication for responders tackling the fires.
To combat the flames directly, New York State Police deployed two helicopters equipped for water drops. Each helicopter bucket holds around 300 gallons of water, a vital asset in slowing fire spread. They are also utilizing drones to monitor fire behavior and request that the public avoid flying personal drones in affected areas, as interference could disrupt these crucial aerial operations.
Rangers from both Park Forest and DEC continue to communicate closely as they manage efforts along the Sullivan and Ulster county borders.
The fires have prompted an Air Quality Health Advisory issued by both DEC and the State Department of Health, alerting residents to potentially harmful smoke conditions. People with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk and are advised to take precautions.
Current weather forecasts suggest that winds will carry smoke across Westchester and into Connecticut, sparing the New York City area for now – but affecting Rockland COunty signifcantly. Numerous people on Facebook social media groups indicated a strong smell of burning wood in the area as early as 7 am this morning.
Wildfire smoke is known to contain particulate matter and carbon monoxide, pollutants that can exacerbate respiratory issues. Officials recommend wearing N95 masks to filter out larger smoke particles for those in the affected areas.