The Jennings Creek fire in Orange County (NY) that claimed the life of a teenage state parks employee continues to burn. Orange County Government said via social media that fire lines held last night (November 11), with the fire making negligible incremental gains. Crews worked throughout the night with volunteer crews and DEC Rangers widening and reinforcing existing fire lines between the fire and areas of Wah Ta Wah Park and Sylvan Park (Rumsey).
There are currently no evacuations in place and no structures in immediate risk. The Jennings Creek Wildfire is continuing to exist primarily in the Sterling Forest State Park and is boxed in by fire lines. Yesterday New York State Police and New York National Guard Helicopters dropped over 100 buckets of water on the fire.
Additional support continues to arrive from throughout New York State including volunteer fire companies, and NYS Resources.
Residents are encouraged to continue to abide by the current burn ban in effect to prevent additional wildfires from occurring.
In Ulster County, County Executive Jen Metzger said as of nightfall on Monday (November 11), firefighters have achieved 95% containment of the Whitehouse Fire in the Town of Denning with a calculated burn area of 630 acres.
NYS DEC Forest Rangers and volunteer fire departments from Ulster, Sullivan, and Greene counties are continuing their work toward full containment.
Please note that the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today (November 12) until 6pm for the Mid-Hudson Valley, and The Catskills, including Ulster, Greene, Sullivan and Delaware Counties.
That means a higher risk of wildfire due to a combination of warmer temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds.
Burn bans are in effect in every municipality in Ulster County and outdoor burning is prohibited ther and also in Orange County.
Outdoor burning is not recommended in other areas.
Image credit: Orange County Government