New York Forest Rangers Tackle Wildfires, Search & Rescue Efforts Amid High Fire Danger
(WNY News Now) As the state struggles with severe fire conditions, New York's DEC Forest Rangers continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of public lands by fighting devastating wildfires and performing life-saving rescues.Forest Rangers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) react to search and rescue missions around the state. Forest Rangers find and rescue persons who are missing, hurt, or in distress throughout New York State by collaborating with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups. In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers engaged in 52 prescribed fires that helped revitalize over 1,000 acres of land, completed 370 search and rescue missions, put out 146 wildfires that occupied alm...