Fire At Minnewaska State Park About 20% Contained: Officials

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — More than 200 people including firefighters from as far away as Quebec are battling the Shawangunk fire complex at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

The size of the Napanoch Point wildland fire fluctuates around 160 acres across the rugged, tinder-dry terrain. It is about 20 percent contained and it may take more than a week to burn itself out. Two other nearby fires that started this week, Stony Kill and Wurtsboro, are now fully contained. No lives or structures are threatened at this time. Out of an abundance of caution to protect homes closest to the fire, DEC Forest Rangers and staff volunteers will be working in the town of Warwarsing near Berme Road to establish a contingency fire line, officials said.

The whole park is closed until further notice.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul provided a news briefing at the park in Ulster County Thursday. She said rain received overnight Tuesday helped to slow fire spread Wednesday and allowed firefighters to construct control lines. Still, the fire may grow due to dry and windy conditions expected over the next several days.

Hochul came after an event in Queens commemorating the first anniversary of Hurricane Ida, in which 18 New Yorkers died.

"We had more hurricanes in the state of New York last year than Florida," she said.

"I do believe this is a result of climate change," Hochul said. "Just ask New York farmers how different it is for them with their crops.

"We are the first generation to feel the effects of mankind's assault on Mother Nature ... but we're the last generation to be able to do something about it. The point is we have to be ready. We have to expect the unexpected, because that has become the norm."

That's why the state had the Office of Storm Recovery create a new action plan, she said.

Hochul thanked the more than 200 firefighters, bulldozer operators, pilots, and other professional staff and volunteers that "have really stepped up" and noted that for years New York has been a state that sent firefighters out West to help fight wildfires.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan added "not only is it scary to see a significant wildfire on the scale we usually see on our TV but it's really sad."

He pointed out that the county has endured an ice storm, tornadoes, and wildfires just so far this year.

SEE ALSO:

• Ulster Opens Traveling Disaster Assistance Center
• Tornado, Macroburst Confirmed In Hudson Valley Wednesday

Minnewaska State Park Preserve contains the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge. The 24,000-acre park features sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, waterfalls, lakes, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths. It contains dense hardwood forests and a rare community of high altitude pitch pine barrens. The whole of the popular park, which is just 90 minutes north of New York City, was closed Tuesday and refunds were promised to everyone who had booked one of its many camp sites for the Labor Day weekend.

All campfires and open burning are currently banned in Mid-Hudson Region State Parks. Check parks.ny.gov for more information.

"Fire danger remains high in the Mid-Hudson Region and I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and stay safe," New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said.