Multiple fires and a continued drought have left much of the region engulfed in smoke and poor air quality.
As of Sunday afternoon, firefighters were battling a massive wildfire in the Greenwood Lake area that claimed the life of one state parks employee.. Smoke from the fire has drifted into northern Orange County.
“As you may already be aware, our County is currently battling multiple brush fires,” reported Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the heartbreaking loss of a first responder who tragically died in the line of duty. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family, friends, and colleagues. This tragic loss serves as a reminder of the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice our first responders make to protect our community, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
The victim,, Dariel Vasquez, 18, of New Jersey, was responding to a fire in the Sterling Forest State Park in Southern Orange County.
Neuhaus reported that his emergency response command team is working closely with Town of Warwick officials and state agencies to coordinate the response. While there is no immediatelthreat to homes in the area, nearby residents are advised to have an evacuation plan in place should the situation change.
“Due to strong winds and the persistent smoke from the fires, we urge all residents to take necessary precautions,” Neuhaus said. “The smoke is expected to linger in the area for the next week, so please take care, especially if you are sensitive to air quality.”
Additionally, the Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at the Greenwood Lake Community Center, located at 51 Waterstone Rd., Greenwood Lake, New York, for anyone in need of assistance.
There is also a major brush fire in the northern Ulster County Town of Denning.
Responding agencies are establishing a control line around the fire and are continuing to work toward full containment. Based on a flyover estimate yesterday evening, the fire is approximately 422 acres, reports Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
Some 185 firefighters from 20 agencies from Sullivan, Ulster and Delaware Counties have been involved in fire suppression efforts. The incident is being managed through the unified command system by Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Grahamsville Fire Department.
“We’d like to thank all agencies and firefighters involved, as well as community partners, families, and friends who have donated food, supplies, and resources to battle this fire,” Metzger said.