ELLENVILLE – The forest fires burning atop Minnewaska State Park near Napanoch have scorched some 150 acres and the rain that fell late Tuesday may have helped the situation, but lots more is needed.
Forest Ranger Robbi Mecus was among those who briefed the community about the fires Tuesday evening in Ellenville and said a steady, prolonged rain is needed.
“Generally speaking, when we get a large among dropped in a short time as we just did, that is not as effective as a slow, steady rain over a long period of time. A heavy rainfall washes off the surface and doesn’t penetrate into the soil. We’re really looking for an extended rain period, which is unfortunately, not on the radar screen in the foreseeable future,” she said.
Officials assured Ellenville residents that they are not at any risk from the fires burning on the mountain.
