DEC Forest Ranger Report

The following information was provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, of recent Forest Ranger actions. The DEC Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from across New York State. 

In 2020, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 492 search and rescue missions, extinguished 192 wildfires that burned a total of more than 1,122 acres, participated in eight prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 203 acres and worked on cases that resulted in 3,131 tickets or arrests. 

Hillsdale brush fire 

Friday, March 12, 10:30 p.m., DEC’s Central Dispatch received a request from Columbia County 911 for Forest Ranger support for a wildfire in the town of Hillsdale. 

Forest Ranger Gullen responded. The brush fire was approximately 8 acres and fire crews were able to contain it by constructing a fire line with water support. Due to heavy winds, hot spots flared up on the hilltop, extending mop up operations. 

On Saturday, March 13, at 12:30 a.m., the fire was declared out and firefighters were clear of the scene. 

“During New York’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are enjoying the outdoors than ever before and our Forest Rangers are on the front lines to help people get outside responsibly and get home safely,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, urging New Yorkers to abide by safety regulations and to take special care when conditions are ripe for wildfires this spring.

In an effort to reduce the number of spring brush fires, New York State’s residential brush burning ban is in effect through May 14. For more information, go to:  www.dec.ny.gov/chemical.

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