Massive Wildfire Down but Not Out

The wildfire at Sam's Point Preserve in Ulster county has been downgraded but is still smoldering,

The Times Herald-Record quoted a spokesperson for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as saying that the fire is still active -- roughly one third is under control. Also, the number of acres burned has been revised downward to 1,574, from yesterday's estimate of 2,000.

No fire or smoke was visible when the paper did an aerial inspection Wednesday morning.

The fire in Minnewaska State Park (which is closed) started Saturday; its cause is being investigated.

Kristin Devoe, director of public information for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in Albany, told the Kingston Freeman that operations, including helicopter water drops, were continuing. “Weather conditions will warm up and dry out the brush, which could reignite the flames. As a result, additional air drops may become necessary,” she said in an email.