The Hemlock Ridge fire, now in its third day, has expanded to over 45 acres, with shifting winds increasing the risk of rapid growth. Command center personnel are closely monitoring mountain roads and stand ready to issue evacuation orders or special instructions as needed, as the fire continues near the Plattekill-Marlborough border
Containment efforts are underway, with smoke visible as far as Wallkill in Orange County and Fishkill in Dutchess County. Residents in Marlboro and Newburgh may also notice the fire's effects. The fire has advanced eastward toward Marlboro, where firefighters are monitoring and mitigating the situation, and has moved slightly south.
Two firefighters were injured during containment efforts on Friday and were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries by Plattekill 647.
The fire remains 80% contained, though steep, rocky terrain has made firefighting efforts challenging. Helicopters dropped 17,000 gallons of water over the area Friday, totaling 54 drops. Air support is scheduled to continue throughout the day.
Several smoke investigations outside the Plattekill Fire District have been conducted by agencies in Orange and Dutchess counties, each diligently responding to calls to ensure public safety.
A multi-agency response, led by the Plattekill Fire Department, is addressing smoke and ash along Lewis Lane, upper Unionville Road, and surrounding areas. Approximately 30 firefighting personnel are currently on the ridge, with additional support en route to Plattekill Station 1.
Currently, no evacuation orders have been issued for Plattekill or Marlboro. However, Lewis Lane remains closed to all traffic except emergency personnel and local residents.
Weather conditions today are expected to complicate firefighting efforts, with humidity dropping to 28% and wind gusts reaching 30 mph, creating a challenging environment for containment. Burn bans are in effect in both Plattekill and Marlboro.
In Plattekill, fire services are being bolstered by the Modena, Wallkill, and Cronomer Valley Fire Departments, while Wallkill Ambulance is covering EMS calls.
Residents are advised to call 911 if they suspect the fire is approaching any structures. Regular updates will be provided.