State Agencies and Volunteers Achieved 100% Containment of Largest New York Wildfire Since 2008
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the full containment of theGreenwood Lake wildfire – aka the Jennings Creek wildfire in Sterling Forest State Park after a 14-day battle. The fire, which began on November 8, scorched 5,304 acres across New York and New Jersey, making it the largest wildfire in New York since 2008. The fire also claimed the life of 18-year old Dariel Vasquez, a NYS Parks Department employee who was killed when a tree in the midst of the initial containment efforts fell upon him.
The coordinated response involved the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Police, Orange County authorities, and the New York Army National Guard. These agencies were joined by wildland firefighters from New Jersey, Colorado, and Montana. Since the fire’s outbreak, 427 mostly volunteer fire companies sent over 1,300 firefighters and equipment to the scene. Fire departments from all five Towns in Rockland County also contributed to the effort.
Governor Hochul commended the collective effort: “For two weeks, firefighting crews and staff responded from around the state to battle the Jennings Creek wildfire and today they were successful in fully containing the fire. From the start, we launched a coordinated response with every available resource… I thank all of them for their hard work, spending time away from their families and working tirelessly every day to keep New Yorkers safe.”
State resources included National Guard Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, as well as State Police Huey helicopters, which together delivered over 500,000 gallons of water to suppress the blaze. Ground efforts were supported by bulldozers and professional crews who worked tirelessly alongside volunteers.
Rain and snow over the past two days aided suppression efforts by lowering ground temperatures and dampening vegetation, enabling containment and control of the fire. Although the blaze is now 100% contained, small sections may persist in deeper forested areas. Experts from the DEC, Parks Forest Rangers, and Montana crews will continue patrolling and conducting mop-up operations as needed.
The fire’s suppression comes as New York enforces a statewide burn ban through November 30 to mitigate fire risk. The ban restricts outdoor fires for debris disposal and certain types of campfires, though contained fire pits and small cooking fires are allowed.
Sterling Forest State Park will reopen Saturday for hiking and hunting in areas east of Long Meadow Road and north of Route 17A. However, trails within the fire-affected zone will remain closed indefinitely.
While the immediate crisis has subsided, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of continued vigilance to prevent future wildfires, particularly during periods of dry conditions.