'Pray For Our Responders,' Sterling Forest Fire 'Not Contained'

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As crews from more than 25 fire departments across the region work to contain a deadly wildfire, high hopes for wet weather proved no match for the blaze.

"The fire is not contained," Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said in a statement released Monday morning. "There is still no mandatory evacuation. Although the rain was helpful in slowing things down, it was not enough. Please continue to pray for our responders and the residents in the immediate area as we continue to deal with this situation."

Dwyer said East Shore Road is only accessible to local traffic and this will be limited throughout the day. The Jersey portion of the road is completely shut down. Commuters are being told to find an alternate route to work.

Crews from more than 25 fire departments are working to contain the fire.

"We had a brief reprieve with the rain but wind gusts are going to pick up and continue supporting the fire," Dwyer said.

There is a joint press conference planned today at 1 p.m.