FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MINNEWASKA FIRE NOW CONTAINED
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the forest fire in Minnewaska State Park in Ulster County is now contained. However, officials remain on guard for flare-ups, smoldering spots and other hazards presented by rising temperatures and winds.
“The fire has been contained, thanks to the tremendous effort of the forest rangers, other state agencies and the dozens of local fire companies involved,” said Governor Paterson. “Hazards still remain – flare-ups are always a concern in these situations and crews will have to remain vigilant. All involved can be proud of their work in preventing what could have been much worse.”
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers and firefighters from a number of local fire companies succeeded overnight in building a 150-foot-wide fire line to secure the perimeter of the wildfire. Helicopters have been dumping large buckets of water directly on the fire for several days and will continue to patrol today. Meanwhile, rangers will begin a “mop up” operation, a labor-intensive process that involves digging up ground, cutting down dead trees and extinguishing any smoldering tree stumps and other smoldering spots between the containment line and the front of the fire; activities that are key to protecting the containment line.
Pete Grannis, DEC Commissioner, said: “We’re proud to say this has been an extremely safely worked fire, especially given the scale. To date, there have been no serious injuries or structural damage. And as with any fire, safety is the first priority.”
Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said: “My continued thanks to the firefighters and emergency personnel who have been bravely battling this stubborn blaze. Their incredible tenaciousness and teamwork has been critical to bringing this wildfire under control – and protecting the vast majority of this beautiful park. I especially want to thank the New York State Park Police and park employees for their dedication and professionalism throughout this emergency situation. I am extraordinarily proud of their efforts.”
The fast moving fire had grown from about 100 acres mid-Friday to 3,000 acres Saturday night. By Sunday, crews significantly slowed the fire’s progress.
DEC, deploying more than one-third of its statewide ranger staff, has directed the state effort with help from the Parks Department, the State National Guard, the State Emergency Management Office, the Department of Transportation, State Police, the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the New York State Park Police, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and Ulster County Emergency Services. More than 30 local and volunteer fire companies from the surrounding counties have also provided tremendous support.
Spring is most likely time of the year for wildfires. In 2006, the most recent statistics, forest rangers reported handling 231 wildfires – 211 in the spring.
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.