Two backcountry wildfires found burning this past weekend have both been brought under control officials say, but not before burning some 275 acres and bringing more than a 100 New York, Massachusetts and Southern Vermont firefighters, as well as the National Guard, to the scenes. The fires burned in remote areas near Indian Lake in the Adirondacks and in the Taconics along the New York-Massachusetts border in eastern Rensselaer County.
200 Acres Burn in Rensselaer County
The wildfire that originated along the New York-Massachusetts border has been contained after burning 251 acres. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), fire crews reached full containment by Tuesday evening.
The blaze was first reported Sunday morning as a small 1.5-acre brush fire near Mattison Hollow on the Taconic Crest Trail in Berlin, NY. Steep and rocky conditions made fighting the blaze difficult firefighters said.
Controlled burns were used to intentionally clear fuel in front of the fire, which contributed to the final acreage expansion but ultimately allowed crews to bring it under control.
Fourteen New York State Forest Rangers worked alongside wildland firefighters and volunteer crews from about 15 regional fire departments. New York State Police and a Massachusetts National Guard Black Hawk helicopter dropped more than 11,000 gallons of water over the largely inaccessible terrain.
The Salvation Army and the Red Cross set up support stations in Cherry Plain to provide food and rest areas for responders. No injuries have been reported, and officials say the Forest Rangers and local fire crews remain on-site to monitor the area.
21 Acres Burn Near Indian Lake
The 21-acre wildfire near Indian Lake in Hamilton County is now under control state Forest Rangers say, having been brought under containment by early Sunday morning. Flames broke out on Saturday night and were first spotted around 8:30 pm from the Indian Lake Overlook on Route 30.
Four Forest Rangers along with Indian Lake volunteer firefighters worked through the night to combat the spreading flames. They established control of the blaze around by 2:30 am Sunday.
While the exact place the fire started remains under investigation, the DEC reported the location as likely east of Center Pond within the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area.
There were no reported injuries or property damage. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Dry Weather, Fallen Leaves Contribute
A prolonged dry spell has led to the entire state being declared in a Moderate Fire Danger. Weather stations in Indian Lake and near Berlin recorded no measurable precipitation in the days leading up to the fires.
Most leaves have fallen in the Adirondacks and Taconics leaving dry highly combustible leaf litter. The US Drought Monitor is reporting much of the region as Abnormally Dry.
While some isolated light showers are possible, overall high pressure is expected to maintain dry patterns through the week.
Read More About Wildfires in New York State
Illustrations, from above: The wildfire near Indian Lake from the Indian Lake Lookout on Route 30; and a Times Union photographer captures an image of smoke rising from the Taconic Range wildfire while a helicopter delvers water.
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