Red Flag Conditions Fuel Massive Forest Fire in the Hudson Valley

That Red Flag Warning issued for Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties yesterday wasn’t just a precaution.

Firefighters today continue battling a massive wildfire that started a little further north in the Hudson Valley.

Fueled by dry conditions, high winds and low humidity, it started in Sullivan County Sunday and on Monday spread into Ulster County, forcing evacuations while growing from 30 to more than 1,700 acres.

“On my way home from work Monday evening… I could see the Shawangunk Ridge burning, with smoke billowing off the mountain. It was a very surreal sight,” wrote Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather. ”While we don’t have any significant rain to speak of… conditions should still improve on Tuesday. The winds should be quite a bit calmer… and humidity levels are expected to be higher. While the fire danger is certainly still elevated… it shouldn’t be as critical as Monday.”

The Brewster Fire Department advises: During red flag warnings, it is not advised to light campfires or use fire pits. Also, be sure to fully extinguish cigarette butts and dispose of them in a proper receptacle.

PATCH FILE PHOTO