Wildfires Burning in Harriman Park

Wildfires in Harriman State Park, one at Lake Sebago; the other further up on the Harriman Mountain, are causing smoke conditions in many sections of Rockland and Orange Counties.

County Route 106 between Seven Lakes Drive and State Route 17A in Tuxedo has been closed, according to Orange and Rockland County Fire, which says that park rangers hope rain expected overnight will knock it down.

The smoke was visible this afternoon from communities west of the Hudson River; a red glow is now visible from Ossining, onlookers said.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert issued a statement with advice for residents who are affected by the smoke and dust.

It is important to limit your exposure to smoke and dust in the following ways:

• Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
• Restrict outdoor physical activity, especially if pregnant, have asthma, or respiratory disease.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease/respiratory infections, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

"State forest rangers have been monitoring the fire. Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services is on alert in case local help is needed. No private homes or property are in danger," said Day.

For more information visit the American Red Cross website at http://rdcrss.org/MJ9CNj and the Ready.gov website athttp://www.ready.gov/wildfires