HUDSON VALLEY- Governor Kathy Hochul deployed a multi-agency response in collaboration with local first responders and continues to provide resources and respond to fires in Orange and Rockland Counties, among several other communities throughout the state.
“Given the dry and warm conditions over the past few days, we have seen an increase in wildfires in multiple counties and are responding quickly,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and thank all our first responders, partner agencies, and neighbors who are working to contain these fires and protect our communities.”
Dry weather and lack of green vegetation resulted in dangerous conditions that fuel wildfires. In the last week alone, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, New York State Police Aviation, local fire departments and trained volunteers responded to nearly 20 wildfires.
There were two fires in Orange County, one that continues to burn throughout the weekend. The fire in Blooming Grove was described by officials as “slow moving” and as of Saturday had burned approximately 85 acres. Eighteen fire departments responded from throughout the county and Washingtonville’s Round Hill Elementary School was closed on Friday as a precaution.
The second fire in Orange County is in the Town of Deerpark. This fire burned a larger area with many local fire departments, as well as firefighters from Pennsylvania, were on scene.
In Rockland County, the initial fires were divided across three areas: Conger, Stony Point, and next to the railroad. Officials are reporting that these fires are all out, with firefighters focusing on remaining hot spots.
