As the state fights serious fire hazards, Governor Kathy Hochul gives New Yorkers an update on the state’s response to the biggest wildfire since 2008, citing notable containment gains and encouraging continuous vigilance (WNY News Now).
The multi-agency response to flames in Orange and Ulster Counties, which is being coordinated with local fire departments and first responders, was one of the updates Governor Kathy Hochul gave today on the wildfires raging around New York State. To fight the fires throughout the state and help control them, more than 1,300 firefighters from more than 400 fire departments have been sent in. More than 550 water drops totaling more than 500,000 gallons have been applied to the Orange County fire by New York National Guard Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, which have been operating since November 11 and November 14, respectively, under Governor Hochul’s orders. Up to two inches of rain are anticipated in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Capital Regions this evening and into the night as a result of the statewide prediction for scattered rain showers. Rainfall totals of up to 0.50 inches are predicted throughout the remainder of the state.
Coordination with towns and our partners in New Jersey is crucial as fire departments continue their efforts to limit wildfires around the state, Governor Hochul stated, in order to safeguard and maintain the safety of communities near the fires.We urge New Yorkers to use less water and refrain from starting fires outside as rain is expected to help ease some of the stress caused by the fires and the drought. This fire would have been much worse without the bravery of our firefighters and first responders, for which we are grateful.
The Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park fire is one of six wildfires that are currently burning across almost 6,031 acres in New York State. Several agencies have responded to the recent wildfires in New York by doing the following:
Environmental Conservation Department
- Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers continue to lead New York s multi-agency response to the wildfires at Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park under Unified Command with New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
- To date, 35 DEC Forest Rangers, wildland firefighters, and other support personnel, in addition to 18 firefighters from Montana, two from Colorado, and hundreds of New York-based volunteers, have been assigned to the fire.The fire has burned 5,304 acres across New York and New Jersey since Nov. 8, and is now 90 percent contained.
- In addition to other small fires responded by local emergency response personnel, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 69 fires of varying sizes since Oct. 1, 2024. They total more than 6,300 acres, with Jennings Creek by far the largest during this extended period of dry weather.
Homeland Security and Emergency Services Division
- The NY Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan has been activated to assist Orange County, and the OFPC Fire Operations Center has been activated since the weekend. With these resources and other local support, 427 departments have responded with over 1,300 firefighters.
- NYS Incident Management Team members have provided direct assistance with GIS, logistics, and finance, and a 12-person team is currently supporting onsite coordination.
- More than 20 staff from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Office of Emergency Management, and Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications have provided support to fire operations in Ulster and Orange counties since the weekend of Nov. 9, 2024.
- Transmission support has included communications engineers, a portable radio tower, a satellite communications truck with additional equipment, and coordination with an AT&T/FirstNet site on wheels providing cellular services including cellular 911 capability.
- OEM has coordinated across state agencies to address response capabilities.
- Items from the state s stockpiles including 225 cots.
The New York State Police
- Multiple helicopters have executed approximately 300 water drops.
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) monitoring spread of the fire and firefighting efforts.
- Uniformed troopers assisting with road closures/traffic control.
- Command post staffing.
Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, New York State
- 22 Operations Employees
- 2 OPRHP Dozer with Operators
- 2 Public Information Officer
- 4 Regional Emergency Managers
- 6 Park Forest Rangers
- 9 Park Police Officers
- 1 Park Police Sergeant
- 2 Park Police Lieutenant
- 1 Park Police Captain
- 2 Park Police Majors
- 1 Park Police Chief
On Nov. 9, an operations staff member was killed while responding.
Military and Naval Affairs Division
- 2 New York Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and 8 aircrew
- 2 New York Army National Guard Chinook helicopters and 10 aircrew
Department of Community Supervision and Corrections
- 20-person crisis team
Transportation Department
- 4 Bulldozers
Here are some strategies to lessen exposure to smoke:
- Be aware of your air: Before heading out to work, exercising or going to the park with the kids, check the AQI forecast and adjust your outdoor activities if there is poor air quality. Plan ahead by signing up for email air quality alerts here.
- Stay inside: Keep windows and doors closed to keep indoor air clean. If smoke gets inside, buy or make your own portable air cleaner to reduce particles indoors, or use HEPA air filters in your HVAC system.
- Wear a mask: If you must go out, a properly worn N95 mask can filter out large smoke particles, reducing the amount of PM you breathe in.
- Take it easy: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities that may cause you to breathe heavier.
- Protect the vulnerable: Caretakers of children, the elderly and those with asthma should be especially careful. When the AQI is elevated, be sure to limit their outdoor activities to keep them safe.
- Take care of four-legged friends: Keep outdoor trips with your pet brief to protect them from the same nose, eye, throat and lung irritation people experience.
- For people who spend time outdoors: When air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended a N95 or KN95 will work best. More information about the New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check your location s current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.
Because of the elevated risk of fire, New York State has imposed a statewide burn ban that will last until November 30. Throughout the state, this burn ban forbids the lighting of open fires for cooking, uncontained campfires, and outdoor burning for the removal of vegetation and debris. Small, contained cooking fires are permitted, as are backyard fire pits and contained campfires that are no more than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or circumference. In New York State, burning trash or leaves is illegal all year long, and burn restrictions are currently in place in a number of communities.