April 20, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MINNEWASKA STATE PARK FOREST FIRE NOW 80 PERCENT CONTAINED
Additional State Resources Mobilized to Assist with Firefighting Efforts as State and Local Agencies Continue Coordinated Response
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that a forest fire at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County is now 80 percent contained with favorable conditions suggesting the fire could soon be under control. While initial concerns for residential property have lessened, New York State and local agencies will continue to pour personnel and additional State resources in to fight the stubborn fire which has already burned more than 3,000 acres. No injuries have been reported.
“Thankfully, there have been no structural losses and no evacuations are necessary or planned at this time,” said Governor Paterson. “The good news is that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fire management personnel say today’s weather presents a prime opportunity to suppress this fire, but New York State will continue to commit every resource available to support the valiant efforts of local first responders.”
After crews worked through the night, today’s change in weather will allow, for the first time, a direct assault on the fire. Ground teams will also cut lines around the fire and light back fires to contain the blaze. Lower temperatures and cloudy conditions, combined with higher relative humidity are causing the fuel to be less susceptible to burning. When it began on Thursday the fire spread rapidly due to plentiful fuel on the forest floor and dry conditions both on the ground and in the air.
More than 100 State personnel and 150 volunteer and local first responders continue to support firefighting operations under the direction of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fire management team.
Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Pete Grannis, DEC Commissioner; and SEMO personnel met with residents of Cragsmoor, a hamlet about five miles west of the fire, to give them information on the fire and firefighting efforts.
Currently, four helicopters are supporting firefighting efforts: Two from the New York National Guard and two from the New York State Police. Additionally, five bulldozers, including three from the State Department of Transportation (DOT), are providing assistance to create fire lines. The State Emergency Management Office’s Command One vehicle is also providing communications support to the operation through internet connectivity and phone lines at the command post.
Other agencies involved include SEMO, DOT, State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Division of State Police (NYSP), the National Guard, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and Ulster County Emergency Services.
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.
Important Information for Area Residents:
Residents should call 911 to report emergency situations.
Concerned residents can call: (845) 255-0752 or (845) 255-0753 for information regarding the status of the fire.
The State is urging citizens to listen to local officials and the media for further developments on this situation. Persons susceptible to breathing difficulties are also urged to stay away from the smoke or remain indoors.
State officials are urging residents throughout the area to refrain from open burning because of the dry conditions.
Minnewaska State Park remains closed.
State Route 44/55 remains closed.
