DEC Forest Rangers Battled Wilderness Fire At Mohonk Preserve

NEW PALTZ, NY — Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers and others are continuing to patrol the Cragswood Road fire on the Mohonk Preserve property. The fire was first reported to the fire chief of the New Paltz Fire Department around 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The wilderness fire was about 5 acres in size and was caused by a lightning strike, officials said.

Ulster County Emergency Services, Mohonk Preserve rangers, DEC forest rangers and state police aviation assisted the New Paltz Fire Department with initial suppression efforts.

On Thursday and Friday, the incident response increased to about 40 personnel from Ulster Hose, Gardiner, Highland, Accord, Esopus, Walker Valley, Rifton, Bloomington and Marlborough fire departments, as well as the New Paltz Rescue Squad.

Water and hand tools helped control the flames, officials said.

The DEC forest rangers and Mohonk Preserve rangers will patrol the fire until it is completely out.

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