April 19, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES COORDINATED RESPONSE TO MINNEWASKA STATE PARK FOREST FIRE
State Resources Mobilized to Keep Blaze from Nearby Homes
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State agencies, in partnership with local government officials, are combining their efforts to respond to a forest fire at the Minnewaska State Park in Ulster County, which has burned nearly 2,300 acres as of 4 p.m. this afternoon. At this point, it is estimated that the fire is 60 percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries have been reported. Governor Paterson will make updated announcements as more information becomes available.
“New York State is committing every resource available to battle this forest fire in the Minnewaska State Park,” said Governor Paterson. “We will continue to work with local firefighters to contain this blaze, to protect our park and the surrounding communities.”
Because of the dry conditions both on the ground and in the atmosphere, the fire is spreading rapidly. Visibility has been reduced due to smoke in the park vicinity and along Routes 55 and 209 to the north and west of the park.
More than 245 personnel are on the ground assisting in the emergency response effort. Agencies involved include the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Division of State Police (NYSP), the National Guard, Ulster County Sheriff, State Department of Transportation and Ulster County Emergency Services.
Firefighters from 27 local and volunteer fire departments are on the scene participating in efforts to put out the fire. They will be on the scene into the night. Two helicopters – one from the NYSP and one from the National Guard are involved in water dropping operations."
Important Information for Area Residents:
The State is urging citizens to listen to local officials and the media for further developments on this situation. Individuals who are susceptible to breathing difficulties have been urged to stay away from the smoke or remain indoors. Those in the vicinity of the Minnewaska State Park, Granite, Kerhonkson, Wawarsing and Ellenville would be the most prone locations for smoke given current forecast wind directions.
There has been no public evacuation, although residents of one Kerhonkson community have been asked to prepare for evacuation, if necessary.
Concerned residents can call: (845) 255-0752 or (845) 255-0753 for information regarding the status of the fire and evacuation updates.
Residents should call 911 to report emergency situations.
Minnewaska State Park remains closed.
State Route 44/55 remains closed.
Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Carol Ash, who was on the scene at Minnewaska said: “A cooperative fire-fighting effort among state and local agencies is underway. This spring fire underscores the need for the public to avoid burning brush or other debris during dry conditions.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “DEC Rangers are working round the clock along with other state agencies and local firefighters to gain control of what has been a stubborn blaze.”
Minnewaska State Park is situated in Ulster County just east of the Catskill Preserve, on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. The terrain is rugged and rocky, blanketed by dense hardwood forest encircling two lakes.
