Wildfire More Intense, Has Burned 800+ Acres

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo issued an update Monday afternoon and deployed additional state personnel to boost fire suppression operations for the wildfire located at Sam's Point Preserve in Minnewaska State Park near Ellenville in Ulster County.

While the fire has advanced and increased in intensity, no structures have been affected and no injuries have been reported, state officials said. The wildfire started Saturday and has currently consumed approximately 800 acres in the preserve, and a fire line has been established around the perimeter of the fire area to aid in containment.

“State officials are working closely with local officials to battle this fire and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Cuomo in a prepared statement. “We will continue to take all necessary actions to extinguish this wildfire, and I urge everyone in the area to stay clear and informed with the latest information. Thanks to all of the first responders who have been tirelessly battling this wildfire.”

Firefighters Monday afternoon were battling 40-foot high flames, according to the Times Herald-Record.

The state has deployed more than 70 additional state personnel to help combat the wildfire. There are now more than 110 state emergency personnel on the scene dedicated to containing the fire, officials said. This includes the State Incident Management Team, which has integrated into the State Forest Rangers, and an additional precautionary Structure Protection Group which was also deployed to the area.

State agencies deployed include:

• · DHSES (Office of Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, Interoperable and Emergency Communications)
  · State Police
  · Department of Environmental Conservation
  · State Parks
  · Transportation
  · Park Police
  · The Nature Conservancy
  · Minnewaska Park
  · Mohawk Preserve
  · Albany Pine Bush
  · NYS Incident Management Team Assets
  · OIEC Communications Assets

Four local EMS Agencies and 17 Ulster County fire departments have also been deployed.

The bulk of the fire is now on top of the ridge on the flats by the lake, Orange and Rockland County Fire reported. Fire command is now in the hands of the Department of Homeland Security (Forestry Division). Any Wawarsing residents having breathing issues from smoke can go to the Trudy Resnick Farber Center in Ellenville.

Wildfires are fueled by low humidity, dry vegetation and gusty winds and weather conditions are favorable for additional brush fires throughout the state, officials said. Most of New York has been categorized as a moderate risk for fires by the National Weather Service. Fires may start easily and could become dangerous if not extinguished while small. To view an updated map of fire danger ratings in New York, please click here.

Call 9-1-1 to report a suspected wildfire.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services reminds New Yorkers to have a family evacuation plan and a go kit ready for emergencies. For a list of emergency supplies, please click here. For wildfire safety information, please click here. For information on how to protect your home, please click here.