New York State Department of Conservation Forest Rangers spent November 2nd through November 7th fighting four wildfires across Upstate New York than burned nearly 20 acres. They also made rescues of five people, two injured and two lost hikers, and an injured hunter.
Town of Union Vale, Dutchess County
Wildland Fire: On November 2 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Grillo and Pries responded to a wildland fire. The fire started in a fire pit and spread to a shed, and then to the woods. At 6:14 p.m., the Beekman, Lagrange, and Union Vale Fire Departments and Rangers declared the 0.5-acre fire out.
Town of Wirt, Allegany County
Wildland Fire: On November 2 at 4 p.m., Forest Rangers Owen and Thaine assisted Allentown, Friendship, and Richburg Fire Departments with a wildland fire near East Hill Road. Allegany County Ambulance and Allegany County’s drones, along with New York State Police also assisted.
The 7.1-acre fire was caused by an unattended bonfire that spread into the woods. By 5:45 p.m., fire crews had the fire under control. The following two days, Rangers continued to put out hotspots.
Town of Shandaken, Ulster County
Wilderness Rescue: On November 3 at 6:02 p.m., Ulster County requested Forest Ranger assistance for an injured hiker on Wittenburg Mountain. Rangers Allwine, Cowart, Lupole, and Martin responded. The 17-year-old had severe leg cramps. Rangers told the hiking party to rest and continue eating and drinking.
At 9 p.m., Rangers reached the hiking party and assisted them to the Woodland Valley Campground. Rangers provided more electrolytes and food. The incident was clear at 9:15 p.m.
Town of Woodstock, Ulster County
Wildland Fire: On November 4 at 2:20 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a wildland fire off of Abby Road on Phoenicia-Mount Tobias Wild Forest. The Cedar Grove, Olive, Phoenicia, West Hurley, and Woodstock Fire Departments also responded. By 7:30 p.m., fire crews contained the 11-acre fire. One motor vehicle parked in the area was destroyed.
Village of Burdett, Schuyler County
Wildland Fire: On November 4 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Miller responded to a 4.9-acre wildland fire in timber litter on Matthews Road. It was caused by a landowner burning junk mail in a firepit in the woods. By 5:35 p.m., multiple fire departments contained the fire.
At 10:05 p.m., the landowner reported increased fire activity. Rangers returned to the scene and determined the fire line containing the wildland fire was still intact. The following morning, four Rangers continued mop-up operations. On November 7, Rangers declared the fire out.
Town of Hague, Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On November 6 at 6:40 p.m., Forest Rangers Donegan and Morehouse responded to a call for a hunter with a possible broken leg approximately a quarter mile north of NYS Route 8. At 8:27 p.m., Rangers arrived, splinted the leg, and assisted the hunter to a Horicon Ambulance. The ambulance transported the 63-year-old from Averil Park to the hospital.
Town of Fort Ann, Washington County
Wilderness Rescue: On November 7 at 11:35 a.m., five Forest Rangers responded to a report of a hiker with a severe ankle injury near the summit of Buck Mountain. At 1:05 p.m., the first Ranger arrived and splinted the injury.
At 3:15 p.m., Rangers packaged the 58-year-old from Queensbury into a wheeled litter and transported them to an ambulance. The incident was clear at 6:20 p.m.
Town of Denning, Ulster County
Wilderness Search: On November 7 at 9:55 p.m., Forest Rangers Allwine and Schweider responded to the Denning Trailhead for a report of two hikers separated from their hiking partner.
At 11:45 p.m., New York State Police and Rangers Martin and Rusher joined the search. At 3:30 a.m., Ranger Allwine located the 39- and 58-year-olds off trail on Lone Mountain. It was 40 degrees and raining. Ranger Allwine provided warm liquids and walked them out. The incident was clear at 6:25 a.m.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.
Each Friday morning New York Almanack‘s John Warren reports outdoor recreation conditions for the Adirondacks at North Country Public Radio (NCPR).
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
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