(WNY News Now) While a statewide burn restriction is still in place due to increased fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul announces a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fight the biggest wildfire in New York since 2008.
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from FEMA, which makes it possible to receive federal cash to help pay for some of the expenses related to the ongoing firefighting activities in Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park. When an uncontrolled fire poses a serious threat of destruction, this declaration starts an accelerated review procedure that may result in FEMA granting assistance. The grant’s funding would help the state and local governments cover some of the expenses associated with battling this fire, such as labor expenditures and mutual aid activities.
According to Governor Hochul, the Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration makes it possible to access vital federal funds to assist with the expenses of fighting the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire and defending those in its way.We are working around the clock to keep New Yorkers safe and contain the fire with the help of our federal, state, and local government partners.
Threat to life and property, state and local resource availability, high fire danger conditions, and possible economic effect are the four criteria used to determine eligibility for Fire Management Assistance Grant Declarations (FMAG) grants. The state must demonstrate that the overall qualifying costs equal or surpass $1.85 million in order to reach the grant level. Labor, travel and per diem expenses, temporary repairs for damage from firefighting operations, mutual help, and mobilization and demobilization are all covered.
The Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park fire is one of thirteen wildfires that are now burning over 5,000 acres around the state of New York. Recent wildfires in New York have prompted the following responses:
Environmental Conservation Department
Under Unified Command with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers are still in charge of New York’s multi-agency response to the flames at Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park. 33 DEC Forest Rangers, wildland firefighters, and other support staff have been sent to the fire so far, along with 18 Montana firefighters, two Colorado firefighters, and hundreds of volunteers from New York. Until the fire is completely extinguished, DEC will continue to carry out activities with partners on the nearly 4,800 acres that have burnt in New York and New Jersey.
During this prolonged dry spell, DEC and emergency response partners have also responded to more than a dozen other fires throughout the state.
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, 152 departments have responded with over 650 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 15 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 this past weekend.
- Communications support has included communications engineers, portable radio tower, satellite communications truck with additional equipment, and coordinated 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 Sgt.
- 2 Park Police Lieutenant
- 1 Park Police Captain
- 2 Park Police Majors
- 1 Park Police Chief
On Nov. 10, an operations staff member was killed while reacting.
Military and Naval Affairs Division
- 2 National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and 8 aircrew
- 2 Chinook helicopters
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, exercise or 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.
- 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 and low-key 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.
Fire danger was raised to extremely high today in the Hudson Valley and Long Island; Adirondack, High Peaks, Lake Ontario, and Southern Tier are all at moderate risk for fires, while the Catskill, Upper Hudson Valley/Champlain, St. Lawrence, and Leatherstocking areas are at high risk. The Fire Danger Map webpage maintained by DEC provides up-to-date information on fire danger levels.If a fire is not effectively put out when it is still little, it may grow larger and become harder to control.